Constituency Development Fund (CDF), can be used to cushion the energy crisis the country is currently facing, by allocating funds to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), Local Government Permanent Secretary, Mr Maambo Hamaundu has said.

During a policy and legislative engagement discussion titled “How Constituency Development Fund (CDF) can be used to resolve the energy crisis in Zambia,” on Monday, 14^th October, 2024, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Mr. Hamaundu said constituents could engage REA through their Member of Parliament (MP) and CDF Committee to propose and implement projects focused on solar energy solutions, which could provide long-term relief from the ongoing power shortages.

Speaking at the same event, Energy Expert Eng. Boniface Zulu said there is need for the government to implement measures that would reduce the prices of solar power equipment. He explained that making solar energy more affordable would encourage constituents to move away from relying on hydroelectricity and charcoal to clean solar energy.

Eng. Zulu also urged Members of Parliament to consider utilizing part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to support solar energy projects in critical areas such as schools, hospitals and police posts. He noted that such initiatives would promote sustainable energy solutions in their communities and reduce dependence on the national grid.

Meanwhile, Energy Regulation Board Director, Corporate and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Mwiika Malindima, echoed Eng. Zulu’s Sentiments, stressing the importance of exploring alternative energy sources like solar power. He said that energy diversification is vital for Zambia's future energy security.

Member of Parliament for Kafue Constituency and a Member of the Committee on Energy, Water Development, and Tourism Ms. Miriam Chonya, hailed the impact of the CDF in her constituency, noting that solar panels had been installed in schools and health posts as part of ongoing CDF projects.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Luapula Constituency, Mr. Chanda Katotobwe, encouraged citizens, particularly small-scale businesses, to apply for grants and loans through the CDF to invest in alternative energy sources, such as solar power, which would help them sustain operations during power outages. However, Hon. Katotobwe also expressed concerns about the lengthy processes involved in accessing these funds, which can delay project implementation.

And University of Zambia Student Union President, Mr. Vincent Musilikani, urged the government and various stakeholders to partner with students pursuing energy programs, as they may have innovative solutions to the country’s load-shedding problem.

The policy and legislative engagement discussion, was organised by the National Assembly of Zambia in collaboration with BBC Media Action and Civil Society for Poverty reduction (CSPR), on a European Union supported project called Citizens’ Voice, aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue between citizens and lawmakers, as well as enhancing citizen’s participation and engagement in Zambia’s Legislative process.

Prior to the discussion, a five-day training workshop on media, policy and legislative engagement was held from 10^th to 13^th October, 2024, at Genesis Boutique Hotel in Chilanga.

The workshop brought together selected staff from the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Broadcasting Department, Public and International Relations Department, Strategy and Journals Department, as well as Professional Assistants from various constituency offices. Participants were trained in modern journalism and content creation, covering topics such as Social Media Editorial Guidelines, Content Creation for Radio Programs, Mobile Journalism, and Types of Shots. The workshop focused on equipping participants with essential skills in media and legislative communication, ensuring effective dissemination of parliamentary activities to the public through both traditional and digital media platforms.