Citizens First Party unimpressed by Hichilema govt’s response to electricity crisis, faults tariff hike

The Citizens First (CF) party has criticised the government for what it describes as an insincere and careless decision to approve ZESCO’s application to increase electricity tariffs starting November 1, 2024.

CF Party Spokesperson, Frank Sichone, expressed concern over the rising cost of living, stating that the tariff hike would further burden citizens and increase the cost of doing business.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sichone argued that the UPND government’s policy of exporting power and then importing it at a higher cost was flawed.

He suggested that the government should have halted exports, assessed the national deficit, and supplied imported electricity to consumers at subsidised rates for the next three months.

“That’s why governments are elected – to alleviate the suffering of their citizens, especially in times of emergency,” Sichone said.

He added that the current government, bound by conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was unlikely to subsidise electricity costs, a decision he said would only hurt ordinary Zambians.

“It doesn’t make economic sense to charge higher tariffs only to reduce load shedding by four hours, from 21 hours to 17 hours. ZESCO should allow those who can afford it to pay for expensive electricity, while providing cheaper power to the vulnerable,” Sichone stated.

He concluded by condemning the government’s capitalist approach, arguing that its focus on profit maximization was detrimental to the well-being of ordinary citizens.

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