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Former President Edgar Lungu has sharply criticised the current government, accusing it of perpetuating massive poverty, economic inequality and widespread hardships.
Reflecting on the three-year tenure of the UPND government, Lungu claimed that the Patriotic Front (PF) administration left behind a better legacy compared to what the current government has achieved so far.
He argued that a good government should advocate for public policies that ensure stable economic growth and inclusive development, creating an affordable environment for all citizens.
“On this day, August 12, 2021, exactly three years since UPND was voted into power, I call upon all Zambians to introspect honestly from where we were in August, 2021 to where we are now in all sectors of life,” Lungu stated.
Despite the challenges faced during his administration, Lungu asserted that his government managed to keep the cost of living and prices of basic commodities low.
He pointed out that when he left office in August 2021, a 25 kg bag of mealie meal was priced between K90 and K120.
Today, the same bag costs between K340 and K460.
Similarly, fuel prices have risen from K17 to K33.47, while the cost of a 50 kg bag of fertilizer has doubled from K600 to K1,200.
Lungu also highlighted that the price of a 2 kg package of sugar, which was K45 during his time, now exceeds K75.
He noted that many essential commodities have become unaffordable, leading manufacturers to package products in smaller sizes because most ordinary Zambians can no longer afford standard packages.
“This is more depressing and disappointing for those in power. Today, thousands of Zambians can no longer afford three meals a day, something many took for granted during my time because we had bumper harvests and guaranteed food security,” Lungu lamented.
He expressed deep concern over reports that more than six million people are now facing the threat of starvation while the government marks three years in power without significant progress.
Lungu also criticized the current state of the mining sector, noting that Zambia’s sovereign wealth and economic benefits from minerals have declined compared to three years ago.
He emphasized that his administration had implemented strategic measures to end load shedding and ensure energy stability, leaving a solid foundation for households and industries in August 2021.
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