JCTR Executive Director Father Alex Muyebe says the Economic Recovery Programme was preceded by the Economic Growth and Stabilisation Plan whose aspirations have not seen the light of day.

“As we move into 2021, the Centre wishes to call on Government to implement the many plans that we have set out as a nation,” Fr. Muyebe said.

Father Muyebe added that the Medium Term Debt Strategy-2017 to 2019 also outlined excellent debt management plans that should have seen sustainability in the debt facet.

“While the 2021 Budget has planned to register some improvements in the nation’s macroeconomic indicators and considerably increase allocations to a number of social sector budget lines, the 2020 budget macroeconomic indicators and expenditure outturns particularly for the social sector remain way below projected figures,” he said.

Father Muyebe noted the need for Government to effect economic growth centered and pro-poor policies with a focus on climate smart agriculture, energy supply, and private sector led growth and commitment to effective debt management in 2021 is paramount.

The Executive Director further called on all Zambians and all state and non-state institutions to ensure peaceful and fair elections in 2021 as 2020 comes to a close ahead to 2021. “Though threatened and shrinking, democracy and constitutionalism remain critical pillars of development, and we all must work tirelessly to safeguard these for the betterment of the lives of all the Zambians,” he said.