The Province that gave President Hichilema his largest per capita victory margin, hoping for better livelihoods than under the Patriotic Front, now faces fuel prices of K70 per litre for diesel and petrol.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Oct. 14 – These astronomical fuel prices are set to send the cost of living in the province skyrocketing, pushing already struggling households further to the brink. At the core of this economic quagmire lies President Hakainde Hichilema’s ill-advised reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the engine of development, neglecting Zambia’s rich mineral wealth as a springboard for true economic transformation. Instead of leveraging these natural treasures, the president has opted for a path that leaves us grappling with higher costs and little to show for it.
Also Read: Zambia’s Quest for an Ibrahim Traoré: The Leadership Void in Unlocking National Wealth! Zambia’s failure to harness its rich emerald resources is a result of poor leadership, stunting economic growth despite the vast potential for prosperity through local ownership and value addition.
This short-term vision has stifled growth and locked the nation into a vicious cycle of dependency, rather than charting a course toward sustainable prosperity. Just imagine the potential we could have unleashed if Mr. Hichilema had harnessed the real power of our resources. With emeralds commanding as much as $40,000 per gram – amounting to a jaw-dropping $40 million per kilogram – the opportunity to reshape Zambia’s economy within a decade was within our grasp. But with blindfolds on, the government missed the mark.
Instead, the mining sector, especially the gemstone industry, remains largely in the hands of foreign interests. Zambians, who should be the rightful beneficiaries of this wealth, have been left sitting in the dust of their own inheritance, watching as outsiders profit. How long will we stand by and let this happen? Zambia has both the resources and the know-how to independently manage its mineral wealth, yet we continue to outsource our future. It’s time to ask the hard questions: who really benefits from these arrangements?
Before I sign off, I must extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for helping push the Woodpecker’s Digest Facebook page past the 3,000-follower mark. Your engagement proves that our in-depth analyses on national issues, personal development, and health are hitting home. Journalism, when wielded effectively, can be a powerful tool for socio-economic change. Together, through a patriotic approach to policy-making, we can pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous Zambia!
Also Read: The Truth Untangled: Holding Leaders Accountable in the Face of Political Lies! True journalism must uncover the truth behind false promises, hold leaders accountable, and prioritize the nation’s needs over blind political loyalty.
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