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Kabanda questions cost of living, says economy ‘biting’ ordinary Zambians

By CHALI MULENGA in Livingstone

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Livingstone Constituency chairperson Thomas Kabanda has questioned the state of the economy, saying rising living costs have made it difficult for many families to afford basic necessities.

Mr Kabanda said if the economy was performing well, ordinary citizens would be able to afford three meals a day without struggle.

“In a country like ours, why should our people fail to afford three meals a day if the economy is performing well?” he asked.

He expressed concern over the financial pressures facing civil servants, arguing that recent salary increments are insufficient to cushion them from the high cost of living.

Mr Kabanda cited a K700 increment for some workers, saying statutory deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE), National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) contributions and union fees significantly reduce the net amount.

“If you take out deductions like NAPSA, PAYE and union contributions, what remains? It is something that cannot buy much,” he said.

The PF official said many families are struggling to meet daily household needs, including purchasing mealie meal, which remains a staple food for most Zambians.

“Zambians are waking up every day worried about how to put food on the table. If you are a married man and your wife asks you to buy a bag of mealie meal, you have to think twice,” he said.

Mr Kabanda said the rising cost of essential commodities is putting pressure on households and contributing to growing frustration among citizens.

He urged Government to pay attention to the concerns of ordinary people and implement measures that will ease the burden on workers and low-income families.

“The economy is biting,” Mr Kabanda said. “We must ensure that policies translate into real relief for the common citizen.”

He said leaders must prioritise interventions that improve purchasing power and stabilise the cost of basic goods to ensure that citizens can live with dignity.

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