Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
United Party for National Development Leader Hakainde Hichilema says it is unacceptable that so many Zambians are still struggling to obtain the basic necessities of life in a country with so much potential.
Mr Hichilema says under the PF’s watch, the cost of living has increased dramatically.
He adds that while the PF promised people more money in their pockets, under their government money has become worthless.
Mr Hichilema says the removal of the mealie meal subsidy without warnin
g or a strategy to keep prices down and provide assistance to the vulnerable was irresponsible.
He also points out that the removal of fuel subsidies quickly led to an increase in food and transport prices that has damaged local businesses even when the price of crude oil on the international market has reduced by almost 35%.
Mr Hichilema further states that to add salt to injury, it is unclear how the money supposedly saved in subsidies was spent, particularly at a time when the PF government has built up a lot of debt, yet farmers have gone unpaid and students have seen their allowances delayed.
The UPND leader says to address the high cost of living his party is proposing a combination of short and long term measures.
He says in the short term there is need to reduce the price of fuel considering that it has reduced significantly on international markets in recent months, lift the wage freeze and lower the price of food.
Mr Hichilema states that by lowering the fuel cost,this will stimulate the economy and help create an environment in which Zambian businesses can move forward and drive growth.
He adds that in the long-term, the UPND Government will sustain a lower cost of living through improved education, investment in agriculture, and better economic management, and more investment in the people.
This is contained in a statement issued by the UPND information Department.