Chief Government Spokesperson CORNELIOUS MWEETWA says the Ënergy Regulations Board -ERB- did not consult government before announcing approved hiked electricity tariffs.
Mr. MWEETWA says the announcement that ËRB approved increment of electricity tariffs barely a day after hiking füel prices did not sit well with government.
He says the timing for the announcement was off because it did not give citizens time to adjust on the füel price hike shøck.
Mr. MWEETWA said ERB must have consulted government before making the announcement for approved electricity tariffs hike because of the impact it has on the people.
He however says Government has no immediate intentions to reintroduce subsidies on füel.
And Mr. MWEETWA says Cabinet has immediately suspended tax on the importation of maize.
He says Cabinet at its seating on Monday, tasked the Ministry of Finance to immediately come up with a Statutory Instrument -SI- to that effect.
Mr . MWEETWA was speaking during a Press briefing in Lusaka today.
He further said President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has directed that Lubambe Copper Mine and Kasenseli gold mine be operationalized immediately.