Assessing a Refugee Camp in Mayukwayukwa Zambia

Observations based on mixed mode assessment data concerning electricity supply of the Mayukwayukwa refugee settlement of the Western Province of Zambia are presented. The mixed mode data include a survey that represents perhaps 500 residents of the 15000 settlement and interviews of a random sample of 15 residents. The data is the result of a study that was authorized by UN and Zambian authorities. The settlement is one the oldest UN initiated camps, dating back to 1966. The camp has spawned a large number of businesses and the only bank branch office in a 90 km radius. No date set for the national electric grid to extend to the camp. The camp was once partially powered by a 24 kW water turbine located on the Luena River that borders the camp. This micro hydro installation operated well below rating for some months a year from 1999 - 2012 but has been out of service since. Perhaps 10% of settlement has electricity for a few hours a day. This electricity is primarily from individual diesel generators. There are some small solar panels, mainly for charging cell phones. Various phased-in plans for providing the settlement with power are herein discussed and evaluated.