The Chipata Municipal Council owes the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation, ZESCO, about 30,000 Kwacha in unsettled electricity bills for street lights.
Acting Town Clerk Namenda Kaonga says ZESCO has however, not been demanding for the whole amount owed but wants the council to maintain its account by paying some amount.
Mr. Kaonga stated that this is why some street lights have not been functioning in Chipata District.
He says the streets lights have been giving the council a challenge because they are now on prepaid meter.
The acting town clerk told Breeze News that residents have to be flexible by paying for service delivery being offered by the local authority so that the council can in turn maintain the services.
And Mr Kaonga says another five kilometre stretch on the Chipata Air Port and Mchini roads will soon be lit through installation of street lights.
He says the six weeks project is worth over 600, 000 Kwacha under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.