Civil society describes budget as being poor blind

The Civil Society Poverty Observatory Group comprising eleven civil society organizations has expressed concern that Zambia’s national budgets have continued to be poor blind.

The observatory group is particularly saddened that programmes proposed in the vision 2030, the revised Sixth National Development Plan and the various policies as reflected in the 2015 budget, lack adequate financing to meet the intended goal of poverty reduction.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka this morning, CS- POG Executive Secretary Lewis Mwape says the observatory group would like to see government set targets of percentage levels to reduce poverty, income inequality and vulnerability.

Mr. Mwape, who is also ZCSD Executive Director, states that the observatory group also thinks that the aspiration reflected in the theme of the 2015 national budget of celebrating the country’s Golden Jubilee as one Zambia one Nation by Making Economic Independence a Reality for all cannot be attained in one particular fiscal.

He says this is because the majority of the country’s population has been struggling for socioeconomic equality 50 years after political independence.

Mr. Mwape says in order to achieve economic independence for all Zambians; the CS-POG notes the need for political and painful sacrifices such as those needed to achieve a more balanced redistribution of wealth and income.

He says it is also essential that government stays on the course on pro poor spending.

Mr. Mwape has told Journalists that to achieve this, it will be important for Government to address the questions of what policies for pro poor growth are most likely to reach the poor in Zambia and how public resources should then be allocated to ensure a balanced and inclusive growth process.

He says this is in addition to measures that are needed to enhance security and equip the poor to take advantage of new opportunities.

The organizations that form the observatory group include CTPD, CSPR, CSO- SUN, CUTS International- Zambia, CCZ, JCTR, Panos Southern Africa, PPAZ, Platform for Social Protection, Zambia Alliance for Women, the ZCSD, and academicians.