By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Socialist Party on the Copperbelt has accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), alleging its inability to curb the escalating and persistent surge in fuel prices.
Socialist Party Copperbelt Spokesperson Reagan Kashinga expressed concerns regarding the ripple effect of rising fuel costs, which invariably lead to an increase in the prices of various other commodities.
Mr. Kashinga emphasised that these inflated living costs have unveiled what he perceives as unfulfilled promises by the UPND to the Zambian populace.
“When fuel prices soar, the overall cost of living follows suit. It is our belief that the UPND has not intentionally deceived the Zambian people, but rather, they have struggled to rectify the predicament of the high cost of living. While our leaders enjoy complimentary provisions such as food, fuel, housing, and medical care, the majority of Zambians are grappling with an untenable cost of living, which is unequivocally unacceptable,” stated Mr. Kashinga.
He further reminded the UPND government not to overlook the historical precedents, drawing attention to the fact that previous administrations, such as UNIP, faced similar skepticism but eventually relinquished power when the tide turned against them.
Mr. Kashinga, who also heads the organisation known as the “Champion of the Poor,” stressed that it has consistently been the burden of high living costs and food shortages that has led to the ousting of ruling parties.
In addition, he urged the UPND government to draw lessons from past regimes, asserting that they, too, have contributed to the issue of food scarcity, in addition to the soaring cost of living.
He underscored the importance of Nshima, a staple food in Zambia, and pointed out what he perceives as the UPND’s failure to adequately provide for the Zambian people
