DECLINING POVERTY REDUCTION PROJECTS MOMENTUM WORRIES THE BRITISH

The British government is worried with Zambia’s declining poverty reduction programmes performance.

The British government’s Department for International Development also says Zambia must explain concrete policy actions it intends to undertake to reduce poverty.

DFID Head, Mike Hammond expressed these concerns at a recent poverty reduction budget support review meeting.

Mr Hammond demanded for a re-invigorated approach in development projects, aimed at reducing poverty, which is accounted for at alarming levels in the southern African country.

Poverty levels in Zambia are currently estimated above 60 per cent, with most households living on less than a dollar a day, in the copper mineral-rich country.

And Mr Hammond also said that while the Lusaka government’s intentions had been clearly stated, the DFID was concerned with meeting the set targets for the poverty reduction projects.

He stated the need for more concrete policy actions, which will create more employment opportunities, expand economic development, to include the rural areas, and equitable distribution of the available resources.

Currently, Zambia is perennially grappling with repeated cases of glaring misappropriation ot financial resources meant for development projects.