The cost of the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for a family of five in Lusaka has surged to K11,599.12, marking an increase of K798.56 from the previous month. This sharp rise has sparked growing concern among residents already grappling with the high cost of living.
According to Lukwesa Musonda, Social and Economic Development Programme Officer at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), the price hike is largely due to escalating costs of essential food items, particularly fruits and vegetables. Musonda highlighted that the surge in charcoal prices has further compounded the financial burden on households, as many families rely on it for cooking and heating.
The JCTR has expressed alarm over the persistently high cost of living in Lusaka, which has remained above K10,000 for several months. The organization emphasized that the widening gap between household incomes and the cost of basic needs is becoming increasingly unsustainable for many families.
“The continued rise in essential commodity prices, without a corresponding increase in wages, poses a significant challenge for families trying to make ends meet,” Musonda stated. “This economic strain affects not just food security but also access to education, healthcare, and other fundamental needs.”
In response to these economic pressures, the JCTR has called on the government to implement urgent measures aimed at stabilizing prices and boosting household incomes. Recommendations include strengthening social safety nets, supporting local agricultural production to reduce dependency on imports, and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms for essential goods and services.
The organization also urged policy makers to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to address the root causes of rising living costs and to create long-term solutions that promote economic resilience.
As families in Lusaka continue to feel the pinch of rising prices, the JCTR reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for economic justice and supporting efforts that enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
By Rachel Mumba
