CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON CRITICIZES ENERGY REGULATION BOARD FOR LACK OF CONSULTATION ON APPROVED ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE
CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON CRITICIZES ENERGY REGULATION BOARD FOR LACK OF CONSULTATION ON APPROVED ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE
In a press briefing, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelious Mweetwa expressed displeasure over the Energy Regulations Board’s (ERB) announcement of approved increased electricity tariffs without prior consultation with government.
Mr. Mweetwa emphasized that the timing of the announcement was inappropriate, as it coincided with the recent fuel price hike, leaving citizens with little time to adjust to the sudden shock. He stressed the importance of ERB consulting government beforehand, considering the significant impact such tariff hikes have on the people.
Although acknowledging the concerns raised, Mr. Mweetwa stated that government currently has no immediate plans to reintroduce fuel subsidies. However, he announced that the Cabinet has promptly suspended the tax on maize imports. During their meeting on Monday, the Cabinet tasked the Ministry of Finance with swiftly creating a Statutory Instrument (SI) to implement this suspension.
Furthermore, Mr. Mweetwa revealed that President Hakainde Hichilema had directed the immediate operationalization of Lubambe Copper Mine and Kasenseli gold mine. This move highlights government’s determination to enhance the country’s mining sector.