The Ministry of Defence has revealed plans to empower the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and Zambia National Service (ZNS) to start generating their own electricity beginning next year.

Defence Permanent Secretary, Mr Norman Chipakupaku said considering the country’s ongoing challenges with load shedding, it was imperative for the Defence Force to take proactive steps in assisting Government tackle the energy crisis by generating solar power which will also support the national grid.

Mr Chipakupaku stated that the initiative once implemented would help the military wings decrease their dependence on hydropower and ease some of the strain on the national grid.

He said this yesterday after commissioning solar power backup systems at three Defence Force Hospitals which include Arakan Military Hospital in Arakan Barracks, the Zambia Air Force Hospital at Air Force Headquarters, and the ZNS Charles Nyirenda Hospital in Makeni, Lusaka.

The initiative has been made possible through a donation from the United States Government in collaboration with the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ).

Mr Chipakupaku stated that the installation of the solar systems in hospitals will play a critical role in ensuring continuous and uninterrupted power supply to our healthcare facilities, particularly in remote areas.

“it is exciting to hear that with the installation of the solar backup system, our healthcare personnel will no longer depend on mobile phones to deliver quality services to patients as the intervention will tackle the challenges posed by power shortages, which frequently obstruct the provision of essential medical services,” Mr Chipakupaku said.

He added, “The Ministry of Defence also plans to transition from hydropower by enabling all military cantonments dotted across the country to produce their own energy, which means solarizing these facilities starting next year. We aim to begin supplying power to ZESCO.”

Mr Chipakupaku expressed heartfelt gratitude to the United States government for its generous donation, highlighting that it symbolizes the strong partnership between Zambia and the US.

He said the solar power backup system will ensure seamless operation of critical laboratory equipment, reduce results turnaround time (tat) for essential tests like HIV viral load, TB diagnostics and secure storage of life-saving medications
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He stated that Government acknowledged that reliable energy is crucial for efficient health care delivery and further urged the three Sister Services to guard the backup systems jealously.

And USA Defense Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Yan highlighted the collective resilience of the USA and Zambian governments in mitigating the adverse effects of power challenges on quality healthcare.

Lt Col Yan further disclosed that the USA government has invested more than $265 million through the Defense HIV and AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) to help enhance health care services.

He said the initiative collaborates with 54 of Zambia’s 80 defense medical facilities, aiming to support around 500,000 healthcare beneficiaries, which include active-duty military personnel, their dependents, and Zambian civilians.

“I am honored to be your USA Defense Attache to the Republic of Zambia, and I remain committed to doing my part to continue enabling these great teams to work with Zambian military and health leaders to deliver the medical services your military and citizens need,” Lt Col Yan said.

At the same event, CIDRZ Chief Medical Officer Mrs Carolyn Bolton said her organization is dedicated to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that align with the vision and needs of the Defense Force medical services.

And Charles J Nyirenda Hospital Commandant Brigadier General Dr Perry Siachombe expressed his satisfaction with the new solar backup system, describing it as a game-changer for the hospital.

Gen Siachombe stated that the donation will enhance healthcare delivery not only for ZNS personnel but also for the surrounding community of over 28,000 people.

He said with the system in place, the hospital can now operate 24/7 without any power interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted quality healthcare services for patients.

The USA government, through the DHAPP and the USA President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is funding the installation of solar backup systems in 60 Defence Force Zambia hospitals with 34 sites so far having been completed, seven currently in progress, and the remaining 19 expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

CREDIT: Zambia National Service.