As you travel between Iyanda and Basanga communities in Itezhi-Tezhi District, Southern Province, vast sandy plains and a bumpy gravel road welcome you.

Beyond the rising dust, herds of cattle can be seen in the distance, majestically grazing on fast-depleting grass. It is clear to any visitor that this is a community built on cattle farming.

On August 21, 2026, the people of Basanga ululated and sang songs of joy as a delegation led by Eng. Justin Loongo, Managing Director of ZESCO and Board Chairperson of Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation, converged at Basanga Secondary School. 

It was another milestone in what has become a hallmark of ITPC’s work in the district: supporting sustainable economic development in rural communities.

Beyond its core mandate of operating and managing the 120MW Itezhi-Tezhi Hydropower Station, ITPC has become a household name in the district. 

In less than two months, the Corporation has commissioned a modern classroom block, an administration block, and a modern ablution block at Iyanda Primary School. It has also unveiled a new Maternity Wing, Mother and Caregiver Shelters, and upgraded facilities at Itezhi-Tezhi District Hospital.

On Friday, 21st August, the Corporation handed over a fully equipped, first-ever science laboratory at Basanga Secondary School.

“Education is important because investment in knowledge and skills has benefits that extend well beyond the immediate beneficiaries. By providing a modern and fully equipped science laboratory, we are creating an environment in which learners can translate classroom theory into practical learning, experimentation, and discovery,” Eng. Loongo said during the official handover held at Basanga Secondary School.

Meanwhile, ITPC Board Member, Mr. Sunil Kapur, described the investment as a community-driven initiative.

“Your voices identified this priority, and we responded. This laboratory complements our broader investment in education across this district and stands as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence,” he said.

Built through the Government-driven Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Basanga Secondary School, which has over 300 pupils, has operated without a laboratory, making it difficult for learners to grasp both theory and practical aspects of science.

“Teaching science in the abstract, using only theories, was a big challenge for both teachers and pupils. This newly built laboratory is a big motivation for our pupils, and we are confident it will translate into improved results,” said an elated Mr. Christopher Habasune, Head Teacher at Basanga Secondary School.

And government says education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming communities and improving people’s lives.

Gracing the official handover, Itezhi-Tezhi District Commissioner, Mr. Tobias Namantemba, said:

“As government, we attach great importance to creating an enabling environment for our children so that they can access quality education and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to national development.”