With the government seemingly running out of ideas on how to deal with the current cost of living crisis, the Jesuit Center for Theological Reflections – JCTR has advised the New Dawn government to consider some targeted ‘ethical’ price control measures.
In their commentary following the latest survey that has revealed a further escalation in the cost of living, JCTR has put out about three possible economic solutions.
JCTR stated that consistent with principles that underscore dignity, social justice, and environmental stewardship, the Centre strongly underscores the need for the following actions:
1. Support for Low-Income Households: The Zambian government should prioritize targeted support programs aimed at alleviating hardships faced by low-income households. This can be achieved through meaningful and robust social safety nets that ensure access to necessities, for every individual.
2. Ethical Price Control Measures: To prevent individuals from being exploited through frequent commodity price adjustments, it is imperative for the government to enforce price control measures. By monitoring and regulating the prices of goods, we can protect consumers and safeguard their well-being. In the same vein, it is critical that the Energy Regulation Board works towards establishing long-term policy stability in the energy sector. Frequent reviews of fuel pump prices, for instance, can contribute to uncertainty. It cannot be overemphasized that the creation of a more predictable regulatory environment can promote stability and attract investment.
3. Currency Management: The government’s priority should be to ensure stability by implementing policies and strategies for managing currency. By efficiently managing pressures and stabilizing the value of the Kwacha against convertible currencies, we can create an environment that supports sustainable development while also protecting the dignity of individuals.”
Addressing the challenges arising from living costs, pandemics, epidemics, and unpredictable rainfall patterns calls for a collaborative effort involving state and non-state actors through honest and open dialogues and consultations to collectively formulate strategies that foster economic transformation, social justice, environmental sustainability, and human dignity for all members of the society.
“We, therefore, implore the government to urgently address the rising cost of living, to take decisive actions to alleviate the prevailing suffering, and to endeavor to build a society that places a high value on dignity for everyone.” stated the JCTR report.
