Mupapa Wood Zambia Thrives Amid Climate and Energy Challenges
… Mukuka says, through innovative alternative energy solutions and sustainable practices, Mupapa Wood Zambia Limited has overcome the impacts of load shedding and climate change, ensuring continued operations, competitiveness, and community support.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (13-09-2024) -Mupapa Wood Zambia Limited has continued operations despite the challenges posed by climate change, including frequent load shedding caused by reduced water levels in hydroelectric dams. The company has maintained productivity and sustainability through innovative strategies.
Mupapa Wood Zambia Limited Head of Sales and Project Coordinator Caroline Mukuka, speaking at the Manufacturing Week Expo held at Mandahill, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability and competitiveness
She noted that Mupapa Wood has addressed these issues by investing in alternative sources of energy, which now supply 60% of the company’s energy needs.
“We are proud to lead in adopting alternative energy solutions that not only keep us operational but also help reduce our environmental impact,” Mukuka said.
Mukuka elaborated on the challenges posed by load shedding, emphasizing its significant impact on the company’s operations.
“Frequent power outages, caused by reduced water levels in our hydroelectric dams, have made it difficult to maintain consistent production schedules. This not only disrupts our manufacturing processes but also increases operational costs as we have to rely on more expensive energy sources like diesel generators,” she explained.
She further highlighted the strain load shedding places on the workforce.
“Unscheduled power cuts create uncertainty for our employees, as productivity drops, and we sometimes have to halt operations unexpectedly. This can be demoralizing for the team and affect overall output,” Mukuka said. Despite these challenges, she noted that the company’s investment in alternative energy has been a critical mitigating factor.
“Our shift towards alternative energy sources has lessened the blow of load shedding, allowing us to remain operational during outages and reducing our reliance on the national grid,” Mukuka added.
Mukuka went on to explain how Mupapa Wood has overcome the challenge of load shedding to stay competitive in the market.
“We knew that relying solely on the grid would put us at a disadvantage, so we made a strategic decision to invest in a combination of energy sources and backup power systems. This dual approach has allowed us to continue meeting our production targets and maintain delivery schedules, which is crucial for retaining clients and securing new contracts,” she explained.
In addition to these energy investments, the company has optimized its production processes to be more energy-efficient.
“By automating certain tasks and investing in more efficient machinery, we’ve reduced our energy consumption and operating costs, which has given us a competitive edge. This not only protects us from the unpredictability of load shedding but also enhances our profitability,” Mukuka said.
In addition to alternative energy, Mukuka highlighted that Mupapa Wood has diversified its operations by producing handcrafted wood products, which require less energy than mechanized processes. This shift has not only reduced the company’s reliance on electricity but also created new revenue streams.
Mukuka also discussed the company’s commitment to the local community, noting that Mupapa Wood has supported households by helping them venture into alternative energy systems, reducing their dependence on unreliable grid electricity. “Sustainability is about more than business. It’s about uplifting the community,” she stated.
The company has further demonstrated resilience by sustaining jobs and adapting to unpredictable weather patterns through conservation efforts and partnerships with local communities.
Mupapa Wood has invested in technology to improve efficiency and reduce waste. A newly installed 125 KVA generator powers its equipment, ensuring uninterrupted operations during power shortages. Although the generator is costly, Mukuka mentioned that the company is exploring greener alternatives for the future.
In collaboration with the government and environmental organizations, Mupapa Wood advocates for sustainable forestry practices, ensuring both forest conservation and community livelihoods.
Mupapa Wood’s innovative approach and commitment to sustainability serve as an example for businesses facing similar challenges. By embracing alternative energy, diversifying operations, and investing in local communities, the company continues to thrive amid adversity.