By Shikanda Kawanga

Chief Mbulu of Chishi Island in Chifunabuli District in Luapula Province has called on the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to expedite the electrification of his chiefdom.

The Traditional Leader said it was gratifying to note that Chishi Island was earmarked for electrification.

“We would like to thank REA for bringing electricity to this place, we have never had electricity our entire lives. Electricity has the power to transform communities and we cannot wait to experience positive change” he said.

Speaking when REA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Linus Chanda paid a courtesy call to him, Chief Mbulu said the supply of electricity to the area is expected to boost the existing economic activities on a micro scale such as crop farming, retail trading and fishing.

And Eng. Chanda said the Chishi Island project was expected to have social and economic benefits for a catchment population of 8,000.

“It targets an initial clientele of 2, 600 which include standard connections, private connections, and grass thatched houses through the provision of Ready Boards,” he said.

Eng. Chanda said the availability of electricity in the area will consequently make it possible for setting up of new businesses in the area such as electric hammer entertainment centres, welding, hair salons and barbershops among others.

He added that staffing levels at public institutions are also expected to greatly improve with availability of power as the public workers will be able to use electric appliances such as television sets, radios, cookers, fans, computers and other entertainment systems thereby motivating staff to stay to stay in rural areas. Earlier, Chishi secondary School head teacher Mathews Machona said having electricity at the school will help in teacher retention.

“In some cases, some teachers have refused to come and work in Chishi Island because of lack of electricity,” he said.

Mr. Machona on the other hand said the pupils will have extended hours of studying adding that currently pupils can not study in the night because it is dark.