The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection
(JCTR) has observed that the reduction in mealie meal and fuel prices
may not help lower the cost of living for an average family of six
people in Zambia.
JCTR Media and Information Officer Mwiinga Shimilimo said Zambians
should not be over excited about the reduction of mealie meal and fuel
prices as prices of some important commodities have remained the same.
Ms. Shimilimo disclosed this development in a telephone interview with
ZANIS in Lusaka today.
She observed that the price of copper has continued to fall on the
international markets, a situation which she said will have a negative
impact on the price of foods in country.
Ms. Shimilimo has since urged government to find a lasting solution to
keeping the value of the Kwacha strong.
She said there was need for concerted efforts from government and
other stakeholders if the food basket was to be decreased from 75
percent in February’s report released by JCTR to approximately 50
percent in March this year.
Ms. Shimilimo stated that JCTR will soon have a social forum where
government and various stakeholders will be invited to discuss the way
forward on lowering the prices of the basic needs for families in
Zambia.