Teachers mock electricity tariff increase

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), a body that represents teachers in the country has scoffed at the recent 50% electricity tariff increase saying it is a false reflection of the current economic environment.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) on Wednesday increased electricity by 50 percent adding that there will be monthly reviews in response to auction forex exchange rates.

Power users will now be charged ZWL $4.41 per kilowatt from the previous ZWL$2.94.

The 50% increase is however unfair on the teachers whose salaries have not been reviewed upwards to meet the current inflationary environment.

In a Twitter, the teacher representative body mocked the move: “You raise ZESA tariffs by 50% and then keep teachers’ salaries stagnant, then say let’s meet in class and get serious Pay us USD520 now.”

Teachers across the country have been demanding payment in USD (520) or RTGS equivalent to the prevailing auction rates.

While the power utility says its sub-economic tariffs are by far the lowest in the region local consumers are struggling under the current harsh economic conditions.