Cost of Living in Lusaka Rockets to Over K6,200

With the threat of a food crisis, increasing load shedding and no funding for schools, Zambians have every right to be concerned for their future, and today that worry has been added to by the news that the cost of living in Lusaka has skyrocketed.

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection Social and Economic Development has released figures demonstrating that the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka has increased by over K230 in August alone. In just one month the cost increase 3.9%, a trend that may well continue.

The researchers noted that this increase was due to an increase in food prices, in particular rice, beans, kapenta and mealie meal as a result of the food shortage.

As usual it is those most in need that will feel the effects of this increase, especially the marginalised who have been struggling to afford food for some time.

Chanda Chileshe of the Jesuit Centre, noted;

“In the first place, government needs to own up and be open about the current situation. Further, government needs to engage key stakeholders such as farmers association, millers and researchers who can help out on how the country can come out of the current situation,”