Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy Mrs. Francesca Chisangano Zyambo says government has developed policy measures and regulations aimed at creating an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in the establishment of energy projects focusing on alternative energy sources to wood fuel.
In a speech ready on her behalf by Ministry of energy Assistant Director Matuyo Ziba said at the official opening of the International Best Practices for Regulation of Alternative Technologies and Fuels for Cooking, under the theme: “Developing a sustainable market for ATFs in Zambia through appropriate Regulations” 2 day workshop in Lusaka.
Mrs. Zyambo said that she is hopeful that the two days lessons learned will help strengthen the regulatory framework of energy alternative technologies and fuels, polices and procedures aimed at expanding the business enabling environment for the private sector as well as simultaneously creating revenue for government and ensuring the health and safety of consumers.
Speaking at the same occasions USAID Chief of Party Alternative to Charcoal Dr. Pkard, Catherine said charcoal consumption is very high in Zambia and according to the preliminary research conducted this year reveals that on average one urban household in Zambia consumed 738Kg per year.
Dr. Catherine said A2C is a 5 year project that is aimed at reducing urban charcoal consumption in urban areas such as Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe and Solwezi by 25% increased uptake of alternative technologies and fuels to charcoal by 38% and ultimately reducing deforestation directly attributable to charcoal by 6.6% by 2025.
And Acting Director General Energy Regulation board Fred Hanga’nda said the memorandum of understanding between ERB and USAID is aimed at strengthening the business enabling environment for the development and scaling up alternative technologies and fuels in order to reduce the consumption of charcoal in Zambia.