REVAMP MINING SECTOR TO REDUCE COST OF LIVING, HH ADVISED
THE Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) says it is saddened by the increase in the basic needs and nutrition basket as revealed by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).
The organisation had since called on President Hakainde Hichilema to ensure that his administration reduced the cost of living as well as cost of doing business in the country.
The cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka according to the JCTR, has increased by K398.12 from K9, 157.41 in December 2023 to K9, 555.53 in January 2024.
ANDD Executive Director, Samuel Banda, said this development would therefore exacerbate the prevailing harsh living conditions because most Zambians cannot cope with this increase in basic commodities.
"This increase can be attributed to the unstable exchange rate, depreciation of the Kwacha, reduced mining production, increase in cost of doing business and lack of employment among the citizens," he said.
"As an organisation, we note the importance of the government to reflect on the JCTR revelations and address these issues with the urgency they deserve."
Mr Banda said Zambians voted for the UPND government on the premise of reducing the cost of living, doing business and basic commodities, which unfortunately was contrary to what was prevailing.
"We strongly feel that addressing the cost of basic commodities will significantly reduce, once the government stabilises the exchange rate and cost of doing business," he added.
Mr Banda said there is need Government for to expedite all pending legal issues with KCM and Vedanta Resources and other mining entities to ensure that copper production was increased not just towards meeting the three million metric tonnes copper production target by 2030 but also to generate huge foreign exchange to stabilise the Kwacha to begin to trade at a fair rate, create the much needed employment and business opportunities for Zambians.
He indicated that the global huge demand for copper is a huge opportunity for Zambia to leverage through the effective implementation of mining policies.