SMEs LOSE OUT OVER 8-HOUR LOAD SHEDDING
SMALL and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are not benefiting from the eight-hour load management re-introduced by Zesco, chairman for SMEs Association of Zambia Diamone Siulapwa has said.
On Monday, Zesco abandoned its four-hour staggered load management and reinstated the eight-hour load shedding schedule in what it said would enhance stability and predictability in power management across Lusaka.
But Mr Siulapwa claimed that Zesco did not consult the association as the eight-hour load shedding only benefited big industries and not small scale entrepreneurs. He said Zesco did not make wider consultations as they claimed because SMEs were not consulted.
“I am at a loss of words. This schedule only benefits the big guys in industries and not those who are small time business people. Small-scale entrepreneurs should go up in arms with this decision,” Mr Siulapwa said.
He said small-scale entrepreneurs would adversely be affected by the eight-hour load management schedule and lose business as most of them could not work in the night like some big industries.
Zesco Spokesperson, Matongo Maumbi said the decision to go back to the eight-hour load management schedule followed challenges that were identified with the previous staggered schedule.
Mr Maumbi said Zesco was continuously monitoring and refining the load shedding programme to achieve an optimal balance between meeting its customers' needs and managing its power resources efficiently.
Zambia Association of Manufacturers chief executive officer Muntanga Lindunda was not available for a comment and referred this reporter to association public relations officer who was equally not available for a comment.