November 2001 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: High Cost of Living Should be an Essential Focus for Political Campaigns, Says JCTR

If only living conditions could be tackled with the greatest enthusiasm as being exhibited currently during electoral campaigns, there could be greater impact on improving welfare, observes Muweme Muweme, Coordinator of the Economic and Social Development Project of the JCTR.The JCTR monthly Food Basket that measures cost of living -- for a family of six in Lusaka has highlighted the continued disastrous living conditions in the country. The cost of the Food Basket for the month of November stands at an all-time high of K377, 300. However, this does not include other essential items that are necessary for human survival and well-being such as housing, electricity, water, clothing, fuel, transport, education, health care, recreation, etc. The current cost of Food Basket indicates a substantial increase of K18,900 from the previous month's cost of K358,400. This increase is mainly attributed to the continued rising cost of mealie meal. The average Lusaka price recorded was K29,100 (up from K17,300 only six months ago), we hear of the price being over K40, 000-K50,000 in other parts of the country.Irish Aid and Joint Country Programm