KWACHA REBASING GOOD BUT MISPLACED PRIORITY SAYS MILUPI

The opposition in Zambia has advised against prioritising the rebasing of the kwacha as government continues to work towards arching its own social-economic agenda.

Alliance for Development and Democracy President, Charles Milupi says there are several other problems, which the new government can pay attention to.

Finance and National Planning Minister, Alexander Chikwanda has indicated government’s plans to rebase the local currency, within a time frame of six months.

But Mr Milupi has stated that the rebasing of the kwacha, good as it might be, is mistimed because there are poverty and employment challenges, which demand immediate attention.

He has said on a local radio interview that alarming unemployment levels and poverty must have made priority for government.

Mr Milupi has explained that the kwacha is currently very strong and very stable compared to other global currencies, a factor, which can be used to strengthen the economy instead.

He has added that for now, the economy needs to be nurtured to levels of jobs and wealth creation in order to counter poverty and unemployment.

And on the anti-corruption crusade, Mr Milupi noted the aggressive approach as very welcome.

He however cautioned the new Patriotic Front government to be focused and ensure they clean up what he called the mess created by the previous Rupiah Banda regime.