SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
@SunZambian
UNKNOWN people have stolen solar panels for milling plants under the Presidential Solar Milling Plant Initiative in Chadiza district.
Councillor Misheck Mbewe of Naviruli ward told the Sun that solar panels at a local milling plant had been vandalized by unknown people.
Mr Mbewe said some members of the public discovered that a section of solar panel was stolen and that the thief used a sharp instrument to cut the cables.
“It is really disappointing that some unknown people have started vandalising government installed hammer mills. Solar panels at the hummer mill in Katembwe and Naviruli wards in Chadiza have been stolen,” Mr Mbewe said.
The councillor has since warned those involved to stop it or face the wrath of the law once caught.
“It’s unreasonable to vandalize equipment that government bought at a higher cost to help us. So I am warning those involved to stop it,
“This behaviour must stop at once and when people involved are caught they will be punished severely. They will go to jail,
“It is disheartening to see those who are supposed to be beneficiaries’ vandalising their own property. This initiative is aimed at contributing to the reduction of malnutrition and improving economic stability of the rural communities. So, to me, this is like biting a finger that feeds you,” said Mr Mbewe
Recently, Government bought 2,000 solar-powered milling plants under the Presidential Solar Milling Plant Initiative.
Out of the 2,000, Eastern Province was allocated 358 which were spread across the region.
Chadiza, Lundazi, Katete, Vubwi and Chipata among other districts were beneficiaries of solar milling plants aimed at reducing the cost of processing the staple food especially in rural areas.
