Government commissions 976 solar-powered streetlights in Livingstone

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone 

GOVERNMENT has commissioned 976 solar-powered streetlights in Livingstone to enhance security, boost tourism and support the implementation of a 24-hour economy.

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba said the project strengthens the city’s status as Zambia’s tourism capital.

Mr Sikumba, who is also Livingstone Member of Parliament, said the streetlights, particularly along the Mosi-oa-Tunya strip, feature designs depicting the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo—reflecting the country’s tourism identity.

“The installation of these streetlights is not only about lighting up the city but also about adding value and identity to our tourism sector,” he said.

He has since handed over the infrastructure to the Livingstone City Council and urged the local authority to ensure proper maintenance, warning that Government will not tolerate negligence.

Mr Sikumba said the project is part of efforts to actualise a 24-hour economy, enabling businesses to operate beyond traditional hours.

He noted that Livingstone stands to benefit from increased regional trade and tourism, with the Victoria Falls border already operating 24 hours and the Kazungula Border Post expected to follow suit from April 1, 2026.

He said this will increase traffic from Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, boosting economic activity in the city.

Mr Sikumba added that more street lighting projects are being rolled out across various wards to improve service delivery and support growth.

He also addressed concerns about the 24-hour economy, saying Government will provide data on sector performance under ongoing reforms.

Mr Sikumba attributed the progress to improved fiscal space following Zambia’s debt restructuring, which has reduced debt servicing and enabled greater investment in development.

He has since urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure, citing vandalism as a major challenge.

“As Government, we have responded to the needs of the people. It is now important that residents protect and preserve this infrastructure for the benefit of all,” he said.

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to delivering development across the country. 

And Livingstone Deputy Mayor Robert Wandila said the project marks a significant milestone in modernising infrastructure in the tourism capital and enhancing its attractiveness as a leading destination.

Mr Wandila said the street lighting initiative is a strategic investment designed to transform the city’s outlook, extend business hours and create a safer environment for residents, tourists and investors.

“Street lighting goes beyond physical infrastructure. It is about creating an enabling environment for tourism growth, stimulating economic opportunities and attracting business to our city,” he said.

He noted that improved lighting will support tourism operators by encouraging increased night-time activities, ultimately leading to longer visitor stays and higher revenue generation for local businesses.

Mr Wandila added that the project reflects strong collaboration between Government, cooperating partners and the local authority in repositioning Livingstone as a competitive and resilient urban centre.

He further revealed that the programme has been complemented with the provision of essential equipment to the local authority, including road maintenance machinery, to enhance service delivery and ensure sustainability.

“This equipment will significantly improve the council’s capacity to maintain infrastructure and meet its civic obligations effectively,” Mr Wandila said.

He has since appealed to residents to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure, stressing that its success depends on collective responsibility.

“I urge all residents to protect and responsibly utilise these investments so that they benefit both current and future generations,” he said.

Mr Wandila also challenged tourism operators to leverage the improved infrastructure by developing new products such as cultural experiences, leisure activities and eco-tourism initiatives.

He said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through coordinated planning and partnerships, adding that Livingstone is on course to becoming a modern, inclusive