Zambian President Edgar Lungu has cut his salary and that of his Cabinet as well as public enterprises bosses by 15 and 20 per cent with effect Jan. 2020. Lungu announced the decision in a statement dated 27 Dec. 2019.
Non-unionised public officers among them public enterprises chief executive officers will also have their salaries cut.
According to the statement, those who earn highest will have salaries cut by 20 per cent, while those earning higher salaries will lose 15 per cent and the lower salary tier will let go of 10 per cent.
In addition, the travel expenses for senior officials will also be cut.
On 26 Dec 2019 the Energy Regulation Board increased the electricity and fuel tariffs and Lungu said the money from the cut salaries will be used to cushion ordinary citizens from the hardships.
Although Lungu said he was optimistic that the economy would improve in 2020, he also said that understood the challenges Zambians were facing.
but he is optimistic that the economy will rebound in 2020 due to the measures
“I have shown the way and those willing to work with me should be ready to sacrifice,” Lungu said.
