Zesco Limited has committed to purchasing poles from Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation PLC. Mr. Vickson Ncube, ZESCO Board Chairperson acknowledged the increased capacity of the Pole Treatment Plant to produce poles following completion of expansion works. In 2023, ZAFFICO invested USD3 million in the Plant which has increased the Corporation’s annual production capacity of poles from 140,000 poles to 260,000 poles.
“A deliberate policy will be implemented by ZESCO to enter into a working partnership with ZAFFICO following its demonstration of built capacity to supply poles to ZESCO and the nation. To the extent that we must allow ZAFFICO to import poles on behalf of ZESCO if necessary”, said Mr. Ncube.
He was speaking today during a tour of the Pole Treatment Plant situated in Kalulushi. Mr. Ncube emphasised the need for ZESCO as a power utility company to focus on generation, transmission and distribution of power in the country.
He was supported by Mr. Emmanuel Gardner, a Board of Director of ZESCO and Chairperson of the Procurement and Investment Committee of the Board. Mr. Gardener also echoed the need for ZESCO to absorb ZAFFICO’s capacity for the supply of poles before importation.
ZAFFICO Board Chairperson, Dr. Alvert N. Ng’andu highlighted the capacity of the Corporation to produce poles whose capacity is more than double of ZESCO’s current need for poles. He further informed the delegation of increased availability of raw materials to support the production of poles following commencement of the harvest of poles from Kawambwa, Luapula province in addition to poles sourced from Plantations within the Copperbelt province.
He thanked ZESCO for the support to growing ZAFFICO’s business and auxiliary support to other sectors in Zambia.
