Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
ZCSD Executive Secretary Lewis Mwape
The Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) says the increment of Chiefs’ Salaries is not timely and is a sabotage to an already bleeding national economy and budget which is already under pressure with a high deficit.
ZCSD Executive Secretary Lewis Mwape says it is illogical to introduce salary increment for any sector of civil service halfway in the year even when government has failed to disburse Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to many of the constituencies in the country.
Mr. Mwape says it should be noted that the 2017 budget is just three months away from being presented to parliament for consideration and thus if government is genuine and that the increments are necessary, then the government can wait so that they can also deal with the revenue side of the equation.
He charges that the government selectivity in awarding salary increments to the chiefs is an attempt to perpetuate income inequality at community levels where poverty is high with majority failing to access basic needs including food, education and health among many basic needs.
Mr. Mwape says it is therefore immoral for the PF government to prioritize political and traditional leadership at the expense of the suffering majority citizens especially the urban shunts and rural areas.
He has since called on the government to exercise fiscal prudence and act in the public good rather than political expedience.