Increased poverty levels worrying

THE nation must be concerned that poverty levels have increased to an alarming situation hence the need for concerted efforts to address it.

This cannot be left to the government alone but relevant stakeholders must come on board for the goal to be achieved.

According to the national statistics, 60 percent of people are in abject poverty. This is a source of worry.

To this effect, United National Development Programme (UNDP) has wondered why poverty levels are alarming when the country has enjoyed peace and stability.

UNDP Africa Director Ahunna Eziakonwa says despite enjoying peace and stability, poverty is a major risk in Zambia.

Ms Eziakonwa wondered why poverty could be high when the country has no risks such as terrorism which has engulfed other African countries.

Speaking when she led a UNDP team at State House on Tuesday, Ms Eziakonwa said with the peace and stability that Zambia was enjoying, it should have been an investment destination.

“How do we join hands and correct this, this is the conversations we have been having with different stakeholders and our partners,” she said.

Her concerned is genuine because Zambia need to shine in the African region because of the stability it has maintained for decades now.

Zambia has not experienced war before or terrorists causing havoc, therefore, the situation is not justifiable.

One may argue that maybe politics has taken the centres stage and those entrusted with national affairs have paid more attention to politics than addressing the monster (poverty).

A non-governmental organization, One Vision Alliance, says the alarming levels of poverty is a major risk in Zambia and a threat to the entrenchment of good governance and fight against corruption,

Executive Director Chilufya Luchembe said there is need to reflect as a nation and map out an affirmative action that will save the majority Zambians who are wallowing in abject poverty.

In an interview, Mr Luchembe said Zambia is not just a haven of peace and stability but the nation has enjoyed a remarkable record of democracy but with nothing to show in regards to taking people out of poverty.

“As a nation and as a people we need to start asking ourselves very honest questions anchored on objective deep analysis as to why Zambia is embroiled in alarming levels of poverty when she enjoys peace and stability.

With a paradox of having a good story to tell the whole world of being a peaceful nation with smooth transitions of power, Zambia however needs to promote better good governance systems and reinforce democratic practices that will entrench integrity, accountability and transparency in the manner those entrusted to manage public affairs and resources must observe and uphold at all times,” Mr Luchembe said.

He said “Our leaders at all levels must ask themselves honest questions such as whether the decisions they make are in the best interest of poor Zambians.

Mr Luchembe said the alarming poverty levels in Zambia are destroying the moral fibre of society and leaders must not turn a deaf ear and blind eye on this serious matter.

This is the time people regardless of their political affiliation must join hands to ensure that Zambians come out from this terrible situation.

Zambia has necessary resources that can be utilised to wipe out the poverty situation.

With President Hakainde Hichilema declaring a national disaster in view of the serious threat posed by the ongoing drought, it requires that all efforts must be directed at easing poverty in the nation.

PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY