Lusaka BNB January 2014 and Press Release

Press Release, 11^th February 2014

Increased debt amidst high cost of living a cause for concern

Lately, there have been statements by senior government officials commenting on the state of debt levels in the country. The comments have partly been assurances that the current debt stock is sustainable.

Various sections of society have expressed fears that the country’s debt stock is increasing to levels that may become unsustainable. While the government has made several assurances that the nation’s debt levels are within manageable limits, it is important that the government is seen to contract and manage debt in ways that do not potentially worsen the livelihoods of the majority poor.  If debt being contracted is not prudently invested on high return projects to enable debt repayment without compromising social sector spending, then debt contraction even in the current sustainable debt levels is a source of concern. Increasing debt levels now also imply higher future taxes on the already heavily taxed workers and consequently a higher cost of living.

Press Release

BNB January 2014

Press Statement by the Oasis Forum – 20th Feb 2014

Delivering unto ourselves a new and people driven constitution is the best way to celebrate Zambia’s golden jubilee

The Oasis Forum, do hereby fully support the recent observations made by Reverend Suzanne Matale from the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) that it is difficult to see the “joy” of the Jubilee-Year in Zambia when so many of our people, including our dear freedom fighters, are wallowing in abject poverty and being subjected to fear and intimidation by their own leaders. In addition, we would like to reiterate the demand we earlier made that the best Jubilee gift for Zambia in this “Year of the Lord’s Favor” is a new and people driven constitution. Thus, notwithstanding the current Government’s many attempts to stall and their maneuvers to abort the constitution making process, we the Oasis Forum remain resolved to mobilize the masses at the grassroots and campaign, in a peaceful manner, for the immediate release of the final draft of the constitution and its enactment through a national referendum. So, help us God! FULL TEXT