(ZNBC)-Zambia Association of Manufacturers -ZAM- has asked government to temporarily suspend export of electricity to other countries until the power requirements of local industries are met.
ZAM Chief Executive Officer MUNTANGA LINDUNDA says although the association commends government for reducing electricity exports, there should be an increase in power supply during production hours to avoid manufacturers passing on the increased cost to consumers.
Ms. LINDUNDA says load shedding has increased production costs for most manufacturers in form of an increase in fuel expenditure to run generators, as some companies project to spend millions of Kwacha on diesel every month.
She says the negative impact of this on the already overburdened Foreign exchange means the country’s fuel consumption will rise.
Ms. LINDUNDA in a statement to ZNBC news also encouraged Government to implement policies to encourage energy production by the Private sector.
Last week Energy Minister PETER KAPALA disclosed that government has cut down on electricity exports due to low power generation in the country.
