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Jesuit Body in Zambia Flags Concern Over High Cost of Living for Poor

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JCTR says the rising cost of living poses a threat to human dignity which underscores the significance and worth of every individual and questions the country’s commitment to the 8th National Development Plan, which aims to improve the livelihoods of the poor.

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has raised concerns about the Zambian government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the poor as the cost of living in the southern African country is increasing. The Centre pointed out that there has been an increase in the cost of living for households in Lusaka which now stands at K9,556 representing a rise of K398 compared to December 2023, which stood at K9,157. This is beyond the means of ordinary people.

These significant increases were observed in both food prices and non-food categories, worsening the challenges faced by individuals and families, especially in the low-income category. JCTR says the rising cost of living poses a threat to human dignity which underscores the significance and worth of every individual and questions the country’s commitment to the 8th National Development Plan, which aims to improve the livelihoods of the poor.

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The report indicates that this also expresses concern over the escalating burden of living expenses, which directly undermines the human core values. The report adds that it is crucial to recognize that having a life where individuals can afford their basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter is a cardinal aspect of human dignity as the suffering goes to the core of an individual’s sense of self-worth and questions the country’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the poor as spelled out in the 8th National Development Plan.