Mon, 29 May 2017 11:56:35 +0000 By BUUMBA CHIMBULU IT is not wise to reduce lending rate for now because the Kwacha has started to lose value and which will inevitably affect living conditions, says international economist Dr Lubinda Habazoka. Dr Habazoka said since most of the goods were imported, a weak kwacha would hurt the people and it was therefore important for government and other stakeholders to ensure that people access affordable essentials. In an interview Dr Habazoka said the current performance of the Kwacha might force the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to increase fuel prices which might push up prices of other commodities. “They should have let the Kwacha gain at least to trade around K8.2 per dollar, that way we will reduce the cost of fuel as it is imported. As it is ERB might increase fuel prices due to the Kwacha losing value,” Mr Habazoka said. He advised that […]
