Advocate Fortune Chasi, the newly appointed Energy and Power Development Minister has indicated that the scarcity of foreign currency was not the only factor contributing to the fuel crisis.
The minister then called for a full analysis of consumption patterns for fuel and energy with the aim to limit power outages. He said:
At the same time, we also need to do that to the extent that if possible, we can limit load shedding arrangement that is now in place.
Minister Chasi also said that concerted efforts of all stakeholders are key in solving the crisis. He said that ZESA has to take the leading role in the area of power and development.
He also noted the need to conduct an analysis on the fuel shortages which were now a recurrent issue in the country. Chasi said that the perennial crisis has tremendously affected the business community. He said:
We also need to do an analysis as Government to say precisely what is happening in the fuel industry. What are the challenges? I don’t believe that forex shortages are the only factors affecting the fuel situation in the country.
He said that the analysis shall help in identifying consumption patterns. If need be, consumption has to be addressed, he added.
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