Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has revealed that Lusaka has remained the most expensive city for a family of five as the cost of living in the capital city is still way above K5,000 per month.

The center is also calling on Government to expedite promotion of value addition in the country, through activities such as production planning, sorting and research.

JCTR further urges the state to embrace regional integration which will enhance exports and create market for excess food commodities.

The Centre feels such a measure would help to contain the skyrocketing cost of living.

In the recent past, between January and June Zambia experienced a crisis in increased prices of tomatoes and onion on the market.

During that period a box of tomatoes at Soweto market was costing above K100.
Releasing the August 2018 Basic Needs Basket (BNB), JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Officer, Chanda Chileshe observes that a box of tomatoes and onions in Soweto market is currently selling at K25 and K35 respectively.

Mr. Chileshe says the favourable prices of these two agriculture produce on the market have been attributed to high supply emanating from favourable farming conditions.

He however notes that the cost of living for a family of five living in Lusaka has remained high at K5,402.31, reflecting an increase of K146 from the July figure of K5,256.29.

“Significant increases in prices were noted in Kapenta which increased by K78 from K152 in July to K230 in August per kg whilst a Kilogram of Beans increased by K3 from K29 in July to K32 in August. Reductions were recorded in the prices of Beef by K8 from K39 in July to K31 in August per kg,” Mr. Chileshe has said.

Mr. Chileshe has disclosed that a kilogram of tomatoes decreased by K2 from K5 in July to K3 in August per kg.

The JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Officer is however concerned that despite reductions recorded in commodity prices such as tomatoes and onions, the cost of living has remained high and unaffordable for most households.