The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection says it is important that the government is seen to manage the budget deficit in ways that do not worsen the livelihoods of the majority poor.
JCRT Social Conditions Programme Manager Daniel Mutale said while the government made assurances that the perceived budget deficit is within manageable limits, it should take steps that do not worsen the living standards of the poor.
Different sections of society have expressed fears suggesting a looming or actual budget deficit beyond the 2013 budget provision of 4.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
[pullquote]the cost of basic food items which increased significantly by about 23% during the period January to July 2013[/pullquote]
But Mr. Mutale stated that care must be taken that the remaining 2013 budget is managed within the manageable projected deficit level of 4.5% of GDP.
He urged that the government should manage any such deficit, which may arise, in such a way that the majority poor’s ability to afford basic necessities is not worsened than it already is.
Mr. Mutale said the cost of living for the month of July 2013 as measured by the JCTR’s Basic Needs Basket for an average family of five living in Lusaka stood at K 3,638.42.
“The July 2013 Basic Needs Basket total has decreased by K 46.04 compared to June 2013 when the basket was K 3,684.46. However, taken as a cumulative figure, the total Basic Needs Basket has increased by K 168.74 from the commencement of the 2013 budget implementation in January 2013 when the Basic Need Basket stood at K3, 469.68,” he said.
“Worth noting is the cost of basic food items which increased significantly by about 23% during the period January to July 2013. Cumulative increases in the cost of basic food commodities such as mealie meal, dry fish and beef by K 7.51, K25.5 and K3.03, respectively, partially explain the increase.”
‘That the cost of basic food items has considerably increased before corresponding increases of some workers’ salaries is effected is worrisome,’ noted Mr. Mutale.
He added that the substantial increase in the cost of basic food items has taken place half-way in the implementation of the 2013 budget.
“Managing the budget cautiously will not only ensure avoiding financing a huge budget deficit but also prevent resultant potential increase in inflation which may constrain the already struggling households. “
Indeed the cost of living has increased for the poor making things more difficult than ever before. Can you minister, you, you , you and you especially Kabimba help the President to do right things for the same poor people whom you dont seem to care for after they voted for you into office. The only thing you tell them is to work hard and that they did when they helped you to remove the MMD from power. That is hard job.
Is the budget deficit because those jobs created?? At least its what PF “foot solders“ are now saying
Jesuits think they are next to God just because they have too much money.
The picture was taken at kapata market and not kapapa unless one has been introduced
Each day peoples tone is changing becoming more aggressive. I miss KK. He was able to know the mood of Zambian, hence he frequent transfers, press conferences etc. I recall when I was at Chizongwe, how he managed to get hold of our letter, few hours after posting to times of Zambia. it never reached times, but state house.So aba.kaya
This is very surprising because the PF has continued claiming that they will implement pro-poor policies. But from the look of things, the policies being implemented are directly opposite because instead of favouring the poor they are hurting them. You can clearly see that it was all rhetoric. The unfrotunate thing is that the PF has continued with the rhetoric and no actual implementation. The cost of living today is worse off than it was during the MMD rule. So, what is the explanation we ask? Has PF failed? It is a shame to demonise others when you yourself are clueless. PF has been exposed as the most useless government this country has ever had.
Sata is clever! He is about to fire Nchito,Kabimba,
Mwenya and Malila not forgetting Chibepakunya to
make himself popular once more! Viva Sata! Watch this
space!
Sorry, typo error. Chibesakunda not Chibe pakunya.
We tried to disuade you from voting into power the reckless and clueless PF but our foresight fell on deaf ears.You made your bed now sleep on it.
W