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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have voiced strong criticism against the government, attributing the current power crisis to mismanagement, and warning of its devastating impact on local businesses and livelihoods.
Party President, Kasonde Mwenda, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, condemned the government’s failure to manage the power supply, which had resulted in daily blackouts lasting up to 20 hours.
Mwenda highlighted the severe consequences for small-scale and self-employed Zambians who rely on electricity for their businesses, including metal welding, irrigation farming, barbering, salons, poultry farming, refrigeration, and hammer mills.
“How can the government justify selling 30 percent of our locally generated electricity to other nations when our people suffer so gravely?” Mwenda questioned.
He criticized the government’s policies, calling them a blatant disregard for the well-being of Zambians and noted that President Hakainde Hichilema had once condemned similar practices while in opposition.
Yet, under his administration, electricity continues to be exported to countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Namibia, leaving Zambians in darkness.
Mwenda also questioned why the government has not lifted tax holidays granted to foreign mine owners if it is facing financial difficulties.
He pointed out that copper mines, a significant source of national wealth, are currently not paying their fair share of taxes, depriving the nation of much-needed revenue.
“It is incomprehensible that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government allows this to continue while ordinary Zambians suffer daily power outages,” Mwenda stated.
He demanded the immediate suspension of all electricity exports and the lifting of tax holidays for foreign mining companies to ensure Zambia collects the revenue it desperately needs.
“Our people should not have to endure such hardship when the solutions are clear and within reach. This government’s actions—or lack thereof—are not just careless; they are heartless,” he said.
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