UPND secretary general Stephen Katuka has advised President Edgar Lungu to sell the Presidential jet and use the proceeds for importation of power from South Africa.
And Katuka says the decision to increase electricity tariffs is irresponsible and a sign of poor leadership by the PF.
In a statement, Katuka further stated that proceeds from the sale of the presidential jet could also be used to cushion the hunger situation in the country.
“…Lungu is punishing over 15 million Zambians by clinging to his jet costing between US$45 million and US$49 million. It is disheartening to note that Lungu is ready to sacrifice 17 million Zambians by subjecting them to evil and exorbitant taxes when his ministers are enjoying taxpayers’ money from poor citizens,” Katuka stated. “Instead of punishing citizens through high electricity tariffs, we demand that Edgar Lungu reduces the cabinet size, cut down on cabinet expenditure, suspend political projects and attend to hunger situation in the country. As many Zambians may be aware, the PF government will spend $ 20.5 million to import 300Megawatts of power from Eskom, South Africa. Lungu should sell the new presidential jet, reduce his cabinet size, ministers’ salaries to finance Zesco projects.”
He stated that his party followed closely submissions by Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa on the decision to increase electricity tariffs by 75 percent.
“We note that the decision to increase electricity tariffs is irresponsible and a sign of poor leadership under Edgar Lungu. As many of us may recall, it was reported that Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (GSS) through its company vice President Yevgeny Andrachnikov at the Russian Business Aviation Exhibition forum said the company would deliver a VIP Sukhoi Business Jet for President Edgar Lungu next year costing between $45 million and $49 million.”
He stated that the decision to increase electricity tariffs is irresponsible and a sign of poor leadership by the PF.
“The purchase of such an expensive aircraft was unnecessary and we advise that this aircraft be sold so that $20.5 million realized from the sale can be used to import power from South Africa’s Eskom. The other $20million from the Jet sale should be used to supply relief maize to hunger stricken regions. Lungu is punishing over 15 million Zambians by clinging to his Jet costing between $45million and $49million, which money could be used to cushion the electricity crisis in the country. Eskom only needs $20.5million and the Jet costs between US$45 million and US$49 million,” stated Katuka.
“Why should Lungu be enjoying taxpayers’ money when citizens are paying through their nose? It is evil for Lungu and his PF government to subject citizens to such inhuman treatment. Citizens are hurting and hunger is now a disaster in the country yet Lungu and his friends are busy enjoying. We demand that Lungu takes responsibility and do the right thing than punishing already poor Zambians.”
