ERB disappoints Consumers Association

The Zambia Consumer Association Executive Director Muyunda Ililonga is disappointed with the decision made by the Energy Regulations Board (ERB) to approve the application to increase electricity tariffs by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO).

Mr. Ililonga said he was disappointed because the tariff increment will make life very expensive for the average Zambian.

He said the tariff hike will also have a spiral effect on the price of goods as they will be more expensive because providers of goods and services will be considering the price of electricity.

Mr Ililonga said this in a telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

The ZAC Executive Director said that the tariff increment is a subtraction on government’s effort of putting more money in people’s pockets.

He further lamented that this move by government is like taking from what it has given to the people of Zambia.

Mr. Muyunda called on the government to reconsider the decision to enable the ordinary Zambian have access to electricity at a relatively affordable price.

Meanwhile, Mr. Muyunda appealed to government to restructure the distribution of maize within the country especially transport wise.

He noted that transport has been one of the major reasons that has brought about the hike in mealie meal prices due to high transport costs.

He said government in its restructuring should consider putting up a policy that will enable the citizens of Zambia to have the maize commodity at a farm price.

ZANIS