JCTR Urges Government To Revise Upwards Minimum Wage Amid Rise In Cost Of Living
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 8 November 2024
By Staff Reporter
The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has recorded a reduction in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) which now stands at ten thousand four hundred eight Kwacha Eight four ngwe, during the month of October.
The analysis revealed that the reduction was due to a decrease in the prices of commodities, such as bananas mangoes, oranges and apples. The reductions in other fruits were largely driven by the availability of mangoes on the markets.
JCTR Social & Economic Development Programme Officer, Lukwesa Musonda says despite this small decrease of 69 kwacha 16 ngwe from September, most families still struggle to make ends meet.
Ms. Musonda adds that with non-food item prices rising and the ongoing challenges from load-shedding, many households are feeling the pinch.
Ms. Musonda says JCTR is therefore making a number of recommendations among them is urging the Ministry of Labour and Social Services to consider an upward adjustment of the current minimum wage to take into account the prevailing cost of living.
