Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has clarified the government’s position regarding the emergency tariff hikes and the commitment to provide 7 hours of electricity per day. Appearing in a recent interview on Diamond TV, Chikote addressed concerns raised by citizens and journalists about the gap between the tariff hikes and the expected power supply improvements.
The debate intensified after the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approved the emergency tariff hikes, with the promise that Zesco would provide consumers with 7 hours of electricity per day. However, many consumers are now paying higher tariffs without experiencing the promised improvement in supply.
Chikote, when questioned by Diamond TV journalist Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, denied that the government had made a direct commitment for Zesco to immediately provide 7 hours of electricity. “We never jumped from four days of load shedding directly to 7 hours of daily power supply,” he explained. “What we have been discussing is a systematic plan that involves moving from 3 hours of consistent power supply, which will gradually increase to 7 hours and then eventually 12 hours.”
The Minister pointed out that the ERB, as part of the Ministry of Energy, operates within a broader framework of resource management. “When we talk about imports, we are talking about resources,” Chikote stated, emphasizing that providing 7-hour daily electricity would require more planning and resources.
Despite the minister’s explanation, the response from the public has been mixed, with many questioning the discrepancy between the government’s statements and the reality on the ground. In the comment section of a local news site, some readers voiced frustration, with one saying, “We are already at 7 hours of power supply, so Minister, please let’s move to 12 hours now!”
Others, however, pointed out that the reality is quite different in many areas, with some going without electricity for days. “In some places, we are lucky to get just two hours of power in a day,” another commenter wrote. “The minister is defending a system that isn’t consistent.”
The government’s commitment to improving the electricity supply is crucial for both businesses and households that rely on stable energy for daily activities. However, as the country grapples with power shortages, citizens remain hopeful that these gradual improvements will translate into reliable and consistent electricity supply in the near future.