‘Power cost service study to be done by March’

By MAILESI BANDA GOVERNMENT has announced that the electricity cost of service study will be completed in the first quarter of 2018.

Minister of Finance Felix Mutati said since the study had failed to be completed this year it would be done by March next year.

The minister was responding to a question from, Chibuluma Mine country director, Jackson Sikamo during the budget forum organised by Deloitte in Lusaka on Tuesday.

Mr. Sikamo challenged Government to expedite the cost of service study to enable the energy sector develop appropriate electricity tariffs.

Mr.Sikamo noted that Government last year during the 2017 national budget address promised to complete the study, but wondered why the process had not yet been completed and was moved to next year.

He challenged the government to give a direction on the process, adding that the completion of the study was paramount to the mining sector

Mr.Sikamo said the mining sector expected Government to give a clear indication of when the study would be completed.

“During the 2017 national budget address last year, Government promised that the cost of service study which failed to be developed this year and according to the minister it will be completed next year there is need for the minister to state the exact time this will be done,” he said.

Mr.Sikamo commended Government for putting much emphasis on the development of the electricity sector.

He said electricity was important especially for the mining sector, adding that this was clearly seen with how many mines were affected with the sudden tariff changes.