The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection JCTR Charges that the 2019 National Budget does not give much hope for Zambia as essential sectors such as education and health have been given little attention.

JCTR Economic Programs officer Innocent Ndashe was speaking on policy power and money radio program in Lusaka.

He also says the center is giving the pronouncement of transitioning from Value added tax to sales tax a benefit of doubt.

He says a proper analysis will be given once the government rolls out the implementation Plan.

Mr. Ndashe adds that it is unfortunate that government did not consider increasing non Taxable income when formulating the 2019 national budget saying that people are left behind when the cost of living increases while the non taxable income remains low.