Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has officially launched its 6th strategic business plan with which it intends to achieve 95 percent of compliance by all licensed entities to the technical standards for the energy infrastructure.
The strategic business plan which will runs from this year 2014 to 2016 is also meant to attain cost effective tariffs and margins for improved viability in the energy sector.
Speaking last night at the launch of the strategic plan in Lusaka, ERB Executive Director Langiwe Lungu says the board’s 6th strategic plan will run from this year to 2016 because it has been aligned to the country’s electoral cycle.
Ms. Lungu has disclosed that in order to meet he goals outlined in the strategic plan, the ERB will among other things monitor the performance of the licensed entities, effectively regulate the energy sector, and enforce mechanisms for complaints handling.
She says in addition the ERB will strengthen its monitoring and evaluation function to enhance accountability, decision making and promote evidence based planning and dialogue by tracking and assessing programme implementation.
Ms. Lungu says strategic plan will be operationized by way of translating it into work plans and annual budgets.
And Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma who officiated at the launch of the ERB’s strategic plan, has pledged government’s support to is successful implementation.
Mr. Yaluma says with such goals set in the strategic plan, he expects that it will translate into an enhanced regulatory framework which should see improvements in infrastructure and service from filling stations, fuel transporters, electricity and petroleum utilities and other licensees.
He has since urged the ERB to ensure that the objectives set in the launched strategic plan are effectively implemented especially that with this new strategic plan, expectations from the board have now become high.
Speaking earlier at the same launch, ERB chairperson Geoff Mwape called on stakeholders to take ownership of the strategic plan and actively participate in its implementation.
Pastor Mwape says this is because with this strategic plan, the ERB intends to further ensure efficient provision of reliable services and products and thereby enable itself to attain its vision of being a proactive, firm and fair energy regulator.