By Jackson Mapapayi
The United Party for National Development (UPND) in North western province says the removal of fuel subsidy amounting to $65 million dollars is meant to benefit the citizens hence appealing for patience from the general public.
UPND provincial Information and Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Samapimbi, said during a breakfast show on Solwezi radio that the previous pump price for fuel was not reflective hence the increment of K3.54 for petrol and K4.56 for diesel.
Mr Samapimbi said of the USD65 million which will be saved as a result of the removal of subsidies, the government will now be able to invest in free education, health care system, increase salaries for civil servants as well as paying retirees among others.
“So, the removal of subsidies on fuel is well thought off and soon people will start seeing the benefits,” he said.
He said the government was spending a lot of money which was supposed to be channelled to other needy areas on fuel subsidies.
He also mentioned that the money is likely to be channelled towards the increased constituency development fund for the 156 constituencies.
“All these are some of the benefits of the removal of subsidies because funds like CDF will now be released on time and in full, unlike previously,” he said.
He has appealed to members of the public to exercise patience with the government.
But a Patriotic Front member, Robert Likomeno, has wondered why people are celebrating the removal of subsidies on fuel and subsequent increase in fuel pump price.
Mr Likomeno said the increase in fuel pump price is as a result of the conditions given to the government by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“And that condition is the removal of subsidies on fuel, hence this increase in fuel pump price we are seeing,” he said.
He said what most people don’t know is that soon there will be another increase in fuel pump price once the price of crude oil goes up on the international market.
“And because the IMF deal is still standing, it will stop the government from cushioning any fuel pump price increase. And this entails that prices of commodity goods will shoot up,” he said.
He said Zambians should tighten their belts as the economic situation will be more harsh than before.
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