Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has described 2020 as a very challenging year for most consumers in every sector due to the Covid-19 Pandemic which has ravaged economies of the entire world.
Association Executive Secretary Juba Sakala told Money FM News that it has been very difficult for consumers to meet basic essential commodities as a result of erratic income as most employees were either put on forced leave or rotational basis, while 80 to 90% of businesses were shut down.
Mr. Sakala stated that due to the negative impact of the pandemic, it has been difficult for most people to pay school fees, rentals for both businesses and homes, and affording 3 decent meals a day.
“The year 2020 has been challenging for most Consumers, this is due to the Covid-19 Pandemic which ravaged all countries and Zambia is not an exception.”
“For Most Consumers, it has been very difficult to meet basic essential commodities because the income was erratic as most people were either put on forced leave or rotational working, and for the businesses, 80-90% were shut down. It made most people unable to pay rentals for both businesses and homes, unable to pay school fees and afford 3 decent meals,” Mr. Sakala observed.
He said although government intervened by coming up with stimulus packages to cushion consumers, the intervention was not enough, because conditions to access Money from financial institutions were unfavorable for those who could not afford collateral.
“We know Government tried to intervene by coming up with stimulus packages to cushion Consumer but it was not enough because conditions to access Money were unfavorable for most people who could not afford collateral. The impact of the stimulus was very minimal. Basically, 2020 was very difficult and tough for Consumers in every sector,” he noted.
Mr. Sakala however said the recently launched 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) by President Edgar Lungu has given hope to Consumers for 2021 and beyond.