Govt to reduce load shedding for tourism sector

Tourism Minister RODNEY SIKUMBA says the government is working on modalities to reduce the severe impact of load shedding on businesses in the tourism sector.

Mr. SIKUMBA says currently the tourist capital Livingstone has a twelve hour load management schedule which has greatly affected business especially small lodges and guest houses.

Speaking in an interview in Livingstone Mr. SIKUMBA said in addition to the immediate solutions, the government has engaged cooperating partners to help such businesses import alternative sources of energy on a long term repayment plan.

He said the government wants to ensure the tourism sector does not experience gaps when offering services to tourists.

And Zambian Association of Ingenious Tour Operators-ZATO Secretary General KELVIN MWELWA has told ZNBC News that some operators are struggling to keep clientele due to the long hours of load shedding.

He has called on the government to help the sector, especially the small businesses that have not yet invested in alternative sources of energy to effectively operate.