The cost of living for a family of five, as measured by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) for April 2023 increased to K9, 112.6 from K9, 003.21 recorded in March 2023.
JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Manager Muchimba Siamachoka has attributed the K109.39 increase to price hikes for products such as onion, fruits, and chicken among others.
Ms. Siamachoka adds that in the first four months of 2023, the cost of living in Lusaka has averaged at about K9, 110.3, with the national average basket standing at K6, 629.9.
She has urged the government to consider revising the threshold of pay as you earn higher to mitigate the high cost of living shocks among vulnerable groups of society.
By Shem Malinda