ZESCO APPLICATION FOR EMERGENCY TARIFF ADJUSTMENT ILL-TIMED, INSENSITIVE
….and will exacerbate the suffering of Zambian citizens, says Dr. Chisebe
Lusaka… Monday August 19, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)
Governance and Human Rights Activist Dr Noel Chisebe says the planned tariff adjustment by ZESCO, amidst the current load shedding is ill-timed, insensitive, and will exacerbate the suffering of Zambian citizens.
Dr. Chisebe says while the government is providing drought mitigation funds to alleviate the suffering of affected communities, the planned tariff increase will negate the intended relief and further suffocate citizens already struggling with the high cost of living, fuel, and gas.
He said the timing of this move could not be more inopportune.
“We urge the government to reconsider and suspend the planned tariff adjustment until the load shedding crisis is resolved. This will help alleviate the burden on citizens and ensure the drought mitigation funds have a meaningful impact. The tariff increase will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income households, small businesses, and farmers, who are already struggling to cope with the drought and load shedding,” he stated.
“We call on the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and explore alternative solutions to address ZESCO’s financial challenges without transferring the burden to already struggling Zambians.”
Dr. Chisebe further said the government must consider the cumulative impact of the tariff increase, high fuel and gas costs, and load shedding on the livelihoods of citizens.
“Don’t transfer the financial burden of Zesco to citizens please hear us. We demand that the government: 1. Suspends the planned tariff adjustment until the load shedding crisis is resolved; 2. Engages in meaningful consultations with stakeholders, including civil society, to find alternative solutions; 3. Prioritizes the welfare of citizens, particularly vulnerable populations,” he submitted.
“Let us work together to ensure that the government’s decisions do not exacerbate the suffering of its citizens.”
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