The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has observed that the proposed hike in electricity tariffs by ZESCO if approved will affect the cost of living for the poor residential consumers.
JCTR Social Conditions Programme Manager, Daniel Mutale, says electricity is a basic need that everyone needs in order to survive therefore hiking the tariffs will negatively affect most people.
Mr. Mutale says the increase in the tariffs will subsequently result in the increase in the cost of living.
He says the proposed 26 percent tariff increment will further increase the burden on struggling families that are already over burdened.
Mr. Mutale has observed that the move by ZESCO to hike the tariffs will force families to resort to using charcoal as an alternative.
He says JCTR is not against the idea of ZESCO hiking the tariffs, but that the power company must take into consideration all the factors that may affect the consumers.
Mr Mutale says it is important that the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and ZESCO pay attention to factors that surround electricity.