HH speaks to Sata ahead of official Parley opening

United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema says President Michael Sata should among other things address the high cost of agriculture production in the country as he officially opens the fourth session of the eleventh National Assembly.

In a statement made available to QFM News Mr Hichilema says Zambians cannot continue buying mealie meal at close to K100 per bag.

He says in the three years the PF has been in power prices of food, transport, fuel and electricity have risen continuously.

Mr Hichilema adds that in this short space of time; the cost of one 25kg bag of mealie meal has increased by at least 170 percent.

He states that the Kwacha has similarly depreciated considerably within three years, consequently making the country become increasingly uncompetitive.

The UPND leader points out that a ton of Maize in Zambia costs US$213 before transportation costs, yet the same commodity in South Africa is only US$162 per ton.

Mr Hichilema has since called on Government to deliver on its promises to the people of Zambia.