Cost Of Living Rises 256% Under PF - Bwalya

UPND Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya has issued a press release on the rapid rise in prices under the PF Government. 

Bwalya noted the UPND’s grave concern with the situation stating, “We are especially worried that while thousands of citizens have lost jobs and incomes, with several more thousands of trained young men and women roaming the streets without any form of formal or informal work, the cost of living has spiked exponentially by over 256% over the last 10 years; a situation that has left families destitute in a land of endless opportunities.” 

“It is particularly concerning, that citizens' opportunities for jobs and other income generating activities have been taken away by rampant government corruption and theft of public resources, which should have been applied towards building and supporting productive sectors of the economy for the creation of real jobs for citizens,” he continued. 

According to the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), the most recent Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) released last month climbed to K8,743.89 in Lusaka. The latest increase mainly resulted from rising food prices such as vegetables, bananas, chicken and beans. 

Bwalya concluded his statement by saying that the upcoming August 12 elections offer people a chance for change: “We wish to reiterate, that in August this year, the people of Zambia have a change to deliver real change for the rapid reconstruction of the economy, lowering the cost of living for families by investing in the creation of real jobs, lowering taxes, lowering the price of fuel, as well as reforming NAPSA for partial access.”