(LUSAKATIMES) RB is not to blame over the fuel crisis-NICA president

RB is not to blame over the fuel crisis-NICA president
Sunday, November 1, 2009, 17:21

National Initiative citizens Awareness (NICA) president Kelvin Sampa says his organisation is not pleased with the blame game that has emanated over the fuel crisis in the country.

Mr. Sampa said it was unfortunate that Republican President Banda’s administration was being blamed by sections of society and individuals over the fuel crisis in the country.

He said it was a known fact that there are people trying to undermine Mr Banda’s leadership and his government by blaming him for causing the fuel crisis.

He urged government to fully carry out an audit of the Energy Regulations Board (ERB) saying its operations was worrying the Zambians.

He added that the ERB Board wrongly advised Energy and water development minister Kenneth Konga over the fuel crisis in the country which led to the President to be misinformed on the matter.

He said this at a press briefing in Lusaka today.

Mr Sampa noted that it was disappointing to note that ERB could not apologise to the Zambian people over the crisis saying it was unfortunate that it took President Rupiah Banda to apologise to the nation on the crisis.

Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development leader Edith Nawakwi has pointed an accusing finger at Mr Banda who she says is an inept leader who has failed to manage the fuel crisis.

He said his organization wondered why the ERB existed as its purpose has failed to work to regulate energy in the country.

Mr Samapa said the leasing out of the Zambezi Oil Transport (Z.O.T) to Samfuels, a company allegedly owned by a named business man, by the ERB is strange as the matter was in courts of law.

Sections of society are expressed concern n the continued fuel shortage that has gripped the nations. Some concerned Zambians are calling for the resignation of Energy and Water Development minister Kenneth Konga over the crisis.

On the other hand, Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development leader Edith Nawakwi , has pointed an accusing finger at Mr Banda who she says is an inept leader who has failed to manage the fuel crisis.

ZANIS