A Lusaka based Financial Expert says he is expecting that the Ministry of Finance will clearly highlight how the austerity measures will be put into practice in the 2019 National Budget.

Mambo Hamaundu says allocations to sectors such as construction should also be reduced and shared to other key economic sectors.

Mr. Hamaundu also says he expects the topic of Zambia’s debt to be addressed as it has become critical to the country’s economic development.

He adds that Agriculture should get a better allocation because it is being prioritized in the economic diversification agenda.

“I’d also want to hear at the end of the day what measures the government is putting in place to broaden the tax base of the country because the biggest problem that we have at the moment is the issue of money” says Mr. Hamaundu.

Mr. Hamaundu has advised policy makers to make consultations, concessions as well as a clear plan in place before contracting any debts.

He was speaking in an interview with Money FM News via telephone ahead of the 2019 budget presentation to parliament which comes later this month or early next month.