September 2002 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: Clarify Position on School Fees, JCTR Urges Government
Abstract
The abolition of school fees could have relieved many households of the current situation of the high cost of living. The JCTR Basic Needs Basket which estimates the cost of living for a family of six in Lusaka stands for the month of March at K824,600, up from the February figure of K823,510. This indicates an upward adjustment of K1,090. ''Though this adjustment might seem to be minimal,'' says Muweme, ''it is however taking place at an already extremely high level of cost of living.'' Moreover, if we draw our attention only to food -- excluding the cost of essential non-food items -- it can be seen that only the cost of feeding for a family of six is still high, currently at
K327,300.
Description
JCTR therefore urges government to move quickly in ensuring that all school fees for the primary school level -- just one of the many loads bringing hardships to many households --are abolished. This must be done very clearly, not just on paper but in practical terms (and hopefully subsequently for secondary level). Only in this way can there be an assurance of sustainable development for Zambia for the future.