President of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Kasonde Mwenda, has filed an application at the Lusaka High Court for leave to apply for judicial review over the Zambian government’s continued export of electricity while citizens receive only four hours of power daily.
In his application, Mr. Mwenda argues that this constitutes a breach of statutory duty under Sections 17 and 18 of the Electricity Act No. 11 of 2019, which require consideration of domestic supply and empower the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to declare an emergency during shortages.
He is seeking, among other reliefs, a mandamus order compelling ERB to suspend all non-essential electricity exports until domestic supply is restored to a minimum of 12 hours daily for residential consumers.
He also wants a prohibitory order restraining ZESCO from continuing any export agreements that compromise domestic supply below essential levels needed for public health and safety.
Mr. Mwenda has cited the Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, ERB, and ZESCO as respondents.
By Darius Choonya
