GOVERNMENT must consider conducting its monthly fuel price reviews quarterly to allow businesses to plan efficiently, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).
JCTR social and economic development programmes officer Lukwesa Musonda has also called for increased transparency and accountability in the local authorities saying available resources must not be misused or misappropriated.
“The government should consider reviewing its monthly fuel price revisions quarterly. This will allow businesses to plan efficiently and provide relief to business operations. Given the limited resources available for development and the country’s increasing needs as the population grows, available resources must not be misused or misappropriated,” Musonda said.
“JCTR also calls for Zambians who can afford to be more considerate of the poor and vulnerable by sharing the excess they have and not let it go to waste. The realisation of social and economic transformation for improved livelihoods as prescribed in the Eighth National Development Plan will require stronger actions towards initiatives that result in improved income levels, decent housing and access to essential services.”
Musonda said the JCTR Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket BNNB for January now amounts to K10,800.56 for a family of five in Lusaka, a K32.90 reduction from December 2024.
“The decrease in the total basket was attributed to changes in the prices of commodities such as kapenta, which decreased to K417.08 from K493.46 for 1kg and vegetables which reduced to K555.35 from K725.88 for 40kg.
Despite this reduction, the total cost of the BNNB remains high, reflecting the high cost of commodities on the market. The net effect of the reduction, on a month-to-month basis, remains negligible given the monthly increase of K440.31 that was experienced in December, 2024,” Musonda said.
“During the previous year, JCTR observed that households faced many economic challenges with increased commodity prices, particularly for food items that were affected by the drought which impacted the supply and ultimately the cost of food items. Additionally, the energy crisis and increased fuel pump prices affected households and business operations.”
As 2025 begins,JCTR noted that the high cost of food items compromised the nutritional intake of individuals, their health and their ability to live a dignified life. Guided by Catholic social teachings, the organisation urged government to embrace the values of human dignity and the option for the poor in addressing the high cost of living by ensuring every citizen has access to their basic needs and services.
Musonda said government should strengthen efforts and interventions to address the high cost of living in the country.
“It is therefore imperative that the government strengthen their efforts and interventions to address the high cost of living. If not addressed urgently, inequalities, poverty and food insecurity may persist and worsen. In this regard, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection therefore makes the following recommendations: Strengthening value chains in key sectors such as agriculture is vital for improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers, in particular, fostering economic development and empowerment,” she said.
