Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile, has called on the Zambian government to reject ZESCO’s application to increase electricity tariffs by 37 percent. The energy provider has made this proposal to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in an attempt to attract more investment in power generation and distribution and reduce Zambia’s reliance on hydro power.
Mr. Mundubile, who is also the PF Presidential Candidate, believes that the high fees would disadvantage the vulnerable population. He cited the Seventh National Development Plan (SNDP), which contains one of the pillars of reducing developmental inequalities by connecting people to electricity. The former PF Government’s policy was to connect as many Zambians as possible to reduce poverty.
“Government needed to look at the cheapest way of doing so because the benefits are many,” he said.
Mr. Mundubile also highlighted that connecting more people to electricity is crucial in moving them away from deforestation. Many Zambians rely on forests for energy and other uses. Connecting them to electricity would address deforestation and provide an affordable, clean source of energy. Mr. Mundubile added that the UPND administration must assess the capacity of the people targeted in rural electrification. The vulnerable population in rural areas cannot afford the proposed high tariffs.
“Those that have the capacity to connect already connected. There are many people that were coming on board as a result of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) extending connections to rural areas and this will be disturbed by the rise in tariffs,” he said.
In conclusion, the proposed tariff increase of 37% by ZESCO will make electricity inaccessible to a significant portion of the population. The government must consider alternative, cost-effective ways to connect Zambians to electricity to help reduce poverty and deforestation. It is imperative that the government assesses the capacity of the people in rural areas that are most vulnerable and unable to afford the proposed high tariffs. The UPND administration must balance investment in power generation and distribution with affordability and accessibility for all Zambians.
I am not paying to those upnd incompetent thugs who are now employed at zesco. Bring them to come disconnect, they will meet my little friend, my revolver. Bang bang
The PF think Zambians are dull like their cadres.
This is what happened in 2019 , “ERB Executive Director Langiwe Lungu has said that the average of the entire adjustment is 113%.Ms. Lungu said that the increment is for all categories of customers which are residential, commercial, social and maximum demand”
The PF allowed ZESCO’s 113% tariff increase in 2019. Why should people reject the proposed 37% Increase?
Compare 113% vs 37%
Mundubile found something else to talk can you compare 113% you increased and 37% upnd want to increase? Better to have bit of shameful.
How can condoms run out at an event like ncwala. I am surprised here where I am. This can only happen under useless upnd. Luckily I always keep spares for my friends.
Please ignore this troll it just wants to distract you…its nowhere near Africa mainland.
Look at this shameless moron when he was govt he never cited this Seventh National Development Plan (SNDP), which contains one of the pillars of reducing developmental inequalities by connecting people to electricity. They just increased unless elections were around the corner.
Mundubile keep your line please you where in government before you did nothing how come today you want to pretend ?