Zambia: Climate Change Activist Simpilo Syabwanta claimed that loadshedding will have negative affect on the forests of Zambia. He highlighted that the forests in Zambia are already facing a decline.
Syabwanta talked to the media regarding the issue and called on the authorities to find a solution for the issue. He said load shedding has increased use of charcoal in households as they have to work without electricity and manage their work and education among other things
The ZESCO wants to find a solution for the issue of power shortage in the country. The administration has claimed that they have to turn to loadshedding to make sure that the water crisis can be managed properly.
According to the ZESCO officials and President of Zambia drought situation is also the reason for the power shortage and loadshedding. The drought situation has led to the administration to refrain from using hydro power as a source of energy.
The lack of water sources has made it difficult for the administration to manage the power crisis in the nation. In light of this, people of the community are forced to turn to non renewable sources of energy.
The people have started to use as alternatives for electricity such as briquettes and gas stoves are not widely adopted.
Simpilo Syabwanta asserted that this situation could result in increase in deforestation which could lead to more droughts.
The lack of rainfall in future will also lead to reduced food security and power generation.
Syabwanta highlighted that the nation needs immediate investment in sustainable power production. This will help to reduce the pressure on the forest during times of power generation issues.
Additionally, Father Cletus Mwiila, who is a member of Choma’s St. Mary’s Parish Catholic Church also expressed concerns about ongoing load shedding.
He highlighted that the increased demand for charcoal and firewood is caused by the loadshedding.