Where are we headed as a
country? First it was removal of fuel subsidy, now it’s the maize subsidy and
soon ZESCO tariffs will be going up…
As NAREP we have noted with
deep concern the continuous negative developments in our nation. Every day we
wake up to the news of increases in prices of essential commodities due to
government’s decision to stop subsidising its own citizens. We are deeply saddened
that government has continued to make decisions without any regard on the
impact these decisions will have on the people of this country. These changes
may be necessary but the rate at which they are being implemented is simply
unbearable for the majority of Zambians.
We cannot understand why
the PF administration has decided to inflict more suffering on its citizens who
are already struggling to make ends meet. It is worrying to see a government
that is willing to donate 2million litres of fuel to another country yet refuse
to better
manage the removal of subsidies in order to cushion the impact on its
own citizens. It is
worrying to have a government which is ready to spend colossal
sums of money on by-elections and yet refuses to better manage the subsidy on the
staple food for its citizens. Is this what they meant by pro-poor government? Is this what they meant when
they spoke about putting more money in people’s
pockets? The PF
administration claims that it is spending too much on subsidizing citizens yet itis prepared to spend
colossal amounts on "engineered"
by-elections and a bloated cabinet. They are ready to increase salaries
for ministers, and subsidise their personal fuel allocations yet they
refuse to be
concerned about the poor woman in Kanyama compound who
cannot make ends meet.
Maize is a staple food in
this nation and government must never play games with this commodity because
doing so means playing with people’s lives. The PF administration must hasten
to remember that it was voted in power by the Zambian people on grounds that it
would change things for the better. It is clear today that the Zambian people
were cheated. We should not remain mute whilst the people we put in power
destroy this nation.
NAREP will not stand by and
watch the government inflict misery and suffering on the people of Zambia. We
are aware that foreign investors are being subsidised and given tax concessions
whilst our people pay high taxes on their small businesses.
Instead of increasing ZESCO
tariffs the government must reduce the size of cabinet and stop unnecessary "engineered"by-elections.
We advise the government to concentrate on policies that will better the
lives of the Zambian people and not bow down to pressure from international
institutions which have no heart for the poor. Even a good policy can cause
destruction if not properly implemented. Government must engage the people and
help them understand and transform before making decisions that have a negative
impact on their wellbeing.Zambia is a democracy and Government should not use
intimidation to implement change.
Rev. Jevan Kamanga
NATIONAL SECRETARY
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