Lusaka, 13 September, 2023 / 2:03 pm (ACI Africa).
Officials of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) are decrying persistent high cost of living in Zambia.
In a statement read out by the JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Manager on Monday, September 11, the Jesuit entity says Zambia is grappling with high unemployment levels, inadequate wages, and rising mealie meal prices, among other challenges.
“The cost of living in the country remains high, and the government has yet to give a clear road map for addressing this challenge,” Siamachoka Muchimba said, and added that JCTR leadership is “concerned about the lack of more stringent measures to improve the cost of living.”
The JCTR official said Zambia’s cost of living in the capital city, Lusaka, “has consistently remained above the K9,000 (US$427) mark with the national average cost of living exceeding K6,000 (US$285).”
“JCTR, like the rest of the citizenry, is still looking forward to the fulfillment of the government's commitment to ‘Restore Economic Growth and Safeguard Livelihoods and particularly in relation to addressing the cost of living; we must sustain livelihoods, ensure the affordable cost of living as well as food and nutrition security for our people,’” she said referencing the maiden address of President Hakainde Hichilema to parliament on 10 September 2021 that was titled, “Creating a United, Prosperous and Equitable Zambia, Restoring Economic Growth and Safeguarding Livelihoods.”
