GOVERNMENT has revoked the appointment of Songowayo Zyambo as Zesco board chairperson, Energy minister Kenneth Konga has said.

Mr Konga said in Lusaka yesterday that the government revoked Mr Zyambo's appointment last week after he was removed from the company board.

"His appointment to the Zesco board was revoked last week and, therefore, he could not remain as board chairman," said Mr Konga when asked if Mr Zyambo would retain his position as a board member.

The minister, however, refused to divulge the reasons for Mr Zyambo's removal.

Meanwhile, Mr Konga has directed the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) to protect the water consumers in the country from exploitation by the water utility companies.

Mr Konga said in Lusaka yesterday that the council should ensure that the people pay fair prices for the water services hence the need to balance between the interests of the consumers and those of the service providers.

"The issue of tariffs in one is one area of great concern and as government we would like to see that our people pay a fair price for the services and that you effectively balance the interests of the consumers and those of the service providers.

"This must be in accordance with the quality of services being provided to avoid exploitation in view of the policy on commercialization of the services," he said.

Mr Konga said this when he installed the reappointed council of Nwasco at the council's offices.

He said that the there was need to increase the range and choice of the service levels for the consumers to select from according to their ability to pay saying on its part the government was committed to address the issue of timely payment of bills by its departments.

The members of the installed council are Cosmas Musumali from Health Service and Systems, Zambia Consumers Association, executive secretary Muyunda Ililonga, Zeles Zulu from the ministry of Local Government and Joe Simachela from Justice ministry