Zesco Drops Luxury Vehicles Following Public Outrage

State energy company Zesco says it has cancelled a contract to buy luxury vehicles for its board of directors following widespread public outrage.

The firm had previously invited bids for the supply and delivery of 25 cars, mostly Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, estimated to have cost K30 million ($1.7 million).

However, in a post on Facebook yesterday Zesco said it had dropped the contract without giving any explanation.

Under the terms of their employment, Zesco directors are entitled to a vehicle of their choice. The utility company recently underwent a major restructuring, replacing all of its directors and appointing Victor Mapani as the company’s new managing director.

Mr Mapani has outlined a new corporate structure for Zesco, abolishing some of the company’s divisions and introducing several new directorates.