Ex-president Lungu slams UPND govt, Energy board over hike in electricity tarrifs

Former President Edgar Lungu has criticized the Energy Regulation Board’s (ERB) approval of ZESCO’s electricity tariff adjustments, calling the move unpatriotic and inhumane.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Lungu likened the government’s decision to “milking small goats,” referring to the citizens, without providing them with any relief or support.

He warned that the cost of living, already burdened by hunger, poverty, and unemployment, was set to rise further due to the emergency tariff increase for industrial and domestic customers.

Lungu argued that the hike would lead to rising prices of essential goods and services, including mealie meal, cooking oil, transport, and rent.

He noted that while the cost of electricity increases, wages would remain stagnant, deepening the economic hardships faced by Zambians.

“The saddest part,” Lungu said, “is that the tariff hike is meant to raise money to import power and reduce prolonged load shedding,” which has left Zambians without power for over 48 hours at a time.

He blamed ZESCO for the situation, accusing the utility company of exporting 250 megawatts of electricity to neighboring countries, worsening the situation at home.

Lungu urged Zambians to brace for more suffering and to remain resolute in anticipation of the 2026 elections.

He called for leadership that prioritized energy and food security over export deals that exploit citizens.

“Sometimes, dark skies are just clouds passing over,” Lungu said.

He expressed hope that Zambians would act wisely in the 2026 polls to vote out the current UPND leadership.

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