By MILDRED KATONGO –
THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has established a northern regional office in Chinsali district to regulate the use of energy in the area.
The decision has been made in cognisance of the fact that Muchinga Province was the entry route of oil and fuel products.
ERB executive director Langiwe Zulu said in a statement that the Board had strategically opened an office in the province to regulate the use of energy in line with Government’s decentralisation policy.
She said the regional office would cater for three Provinces namely Muchinga, Northern and Luapula.
Ministry of Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Brigadier General Emelda Chola who officiated at the launch called for concerted efforts to curb illegal fuel vending and other illicit activities.
General Chola said she was highly expectant that the process would be put in place to enhance and expedite establishment of more energy infrastructure such as filling stations and hydro power stations in Luapula, Muchinga and Norther provinces.
The local office would have the capacity to investigate consumer complaints, inspect energy facilities as well as provide information on licensing, alternative energy and other regulatory matters.
Three chiefs of the Bemba people witnessed the opening of the office.
These included Senior Chief Nkula, Nkweto and Mubanga
