President Edgar Lungu has decided to cut salaries of highly paid public workers to cushion impact on the vulnerable due to recent tariff hikes.

According to a statement obtained by Money FM News, President Lungu says the cut is with immediate effect and starts with him as President and his cabinet Ministers.

“I have decided to cut salaries of highly paid public workers to cushion impact on the vulnerable due to recent tariff hikes” the president said.
“The cuts start with me as President and my Cabinet Ministers with immediate effect”
The Head of State said slashing of salaries for highly paid public officers in both government and Parastatal sector is aimed at cushioning impact on citizens arising from the increase on fuel prices and electricity tariff announced by the Energy Regulation Body.

“The money realized will go into cushioning the impact on the vulnerable in society” the President said.
He adds that Public officers with highest salary will have their salaries cut by 20% whereas those in the middle will have theirs reduced by 15%, and those in the lower will be down by 10%.

“Much as the increase in the pricing of the two essential commodities was inevitable, the Zambian people needed a cushion, hence my directive. The money realized from this decision will go towards ameliorating the impact that the increase would have brought on the masses.” The Head of state added .