JCTR CALLS FOR CLEAR AND ROBUST PLAN TO HELP TACKLE CURRENT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS AS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA OPENS PARLIAMENT TOMORROW

 As President Hakainde Hichilema opens the Fourth Session of the 13th National Assembly tomorrow, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection -JCTR- is calling for a clear and robust plan that will help tackle the current economic and social problems the country is facing.

JCTR Executive Director Father Alex Muyebe says with a significant portion of citizens struggling with poverty, high inflation, and the impact of ongoing drought, there is need for immediate and effective measures.

Father Muyebe says recent reports indicate that approximately 60 percent of Zambians are living in poverty, with 48 percent facing extreme poverty, hence calling for a comprehensive strategy that includes promoting drought-resistant crops, improving water conservation efforts, and extending social safety nets beyond 2025.

He says in addition to addressing long-term needs, it is important to provide short-term support for low-income households, especially that the high cost of solar equipment remains a significant barrier for many families in light of the current power crisis.

And National Action for Quality Education in Zambia -NAQEZ- Executive Director, Aaron Chansa said he expects President Hichilema to provide decisive leadership on pressing educational issues, particularly in the wake of one of the worst droughts Zambia has ever faced.

PHOENIX NEWS