High poverty levels in Zambia worrying and unacceptable-Copperbelt PS

Government says the high prevailing poverty levels in the country especially in rural areas are unacceptable.

Speaking at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services consultations for the draft National Community Development Policy in Ndola yesterday morning, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary (PS), Bright Nundwe said Zambia is endowed with a lot of natural resources which must be explored for social and economic development.

Mr. Nundwe said each province has a natural resource which must be explored for investment and ultimately lead to economic emancipation.

The PS explained that each province should use its comparative advantage and maximize potential in the identified economic sectors.

He said government is committed to reduce poverty and called on all Zambians to be patriotic, creative and innovative and complement government efforts to reduce poverty.

According to the 2015 statistics, 76.6 percent of Zambia’s rural population leave in poverty and 24.4 percent live in urban areas.

Once approved, the National Community Development Policy will coordinate multi-sectorial efforts toward poverty reduction in the country.

Source: Lusaka Times