JCTR notes increase in essential commodity prices

The cost of living as measured by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection [JCTR] basic needs and nutrition basket for Lusaka has continued on the upward trajectory as it has increased from slightly over 9, 049. Kwacha recorded in January to about 9, 305.kwacha for the month of February 2022.

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programmes Manager Chama Mundia says the increase which represents a 256.13 kwacha has been attributed to increased prices of some selected items.

Ms. Mundia says 4-kilograms of onion moved from 62.73 kwacha to 118.20 kwacha, 1-kilogram of Kapenta moved from 244.34 kwacha to 271.52-kwacha.

She says the non-food but essential item section also recorded an increase as the price of two 90-kilogram bag of charcoal which moved from 791.48 kwacha to 813.33 kwacha.

And Ms. Mundia is therefore calling on the nation to reflect and act accordingly in so far as safeguarding and enhancing the lives of women is concerned.

She says this state of affairs comes in the wake of the commemoration of a key calendar day; the International Women’s Day which falls on Tuesday, 8th march Themed “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”