Maravi

JCTR notes rise in cost of living

JCTR notes rise in cost of living
By Mukosha Funga
Sun 01 July 2012, 13:23 CAT

THE cost of living for a family of six in Lusaka has increased to K3,395,660 from K2, 909, 820 in May, signifying rapid increases in prices of essential goods and services.

And the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says Zambia's desire to reduce poverty and hunger by 2015 can be strengthened through a wage that ensures reduced poverty at household level.

Releasing its June Basic Needs Basket (BNB) in a statement yesterday, JCTR acting Social Conditions Programme manager Sosten Banda stated that the upward adjustment was influenced mainly by increases in the cost of essential non-food items like accommodation and electricity which had been effected following comprehensive research and relevant stakeholder consultations.

Specifically, accommodation for an average three-bedroomed house in a medium density area increased by K250, 000 from K1, 500,000 to K1, 750,000, he stated.

"Further, the fixed cost of electricity in such an area increased by K242, 000 from K130, 000 to K372, 000. There was a slight reduction of K300 in the cost of a 50kg mealie Meal bag (Breakfast) from K40, 500 to K40, 200. However, the cost of essential non-food items such as charcoal and soap remained unchanged," Banda stated.

And the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says the minimum wage that will soon be announced through the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour should address the cost of living that is significantly high despite the observed reduction in some basic needs.

Banda stated that the country's quest to meet the Millennium Development Goal number one which seeks to reduce by half poverty and hunger by 2015 will only be attained through decent wages.

"As the cost of living increases, it makes economic sense that wages and salaries in both the private and public sectors correspondingly increase. If that doesn't happen, poverty will perpetuate as the majority of Zambians will be unable to meet the cost of basic food and essential non-food items, especially in the long-run," said Banda, further highlighting that .

He added that serious and sustained policy steps starting with the new minimum wage yet to be announced should be encouraged as they will ensure that a typical worker in Zambia gets a wage that enables them to meet the cost of food items.

Banda stated that it reiterates its call for concerted and sustained efforts
by different stakeholders, saying the government on one hand should come up
with a minimum wage that is fair for all stakeholders.

"a fair minimum wage and quick implementation will further reduce the industrial unrest that has characterized the country in recent times. Further, policies, strategies and initiatives that ensure sustained employment creation, especially for the youths that account for 80 per cent of Zambia's total population will help remedy the high income poverty that such groups are currently experiencing," stated Banda.

Labels: JCTR

posted by MrK @ 4:44 PM