Press Release

Basic Needs Basket

DOES THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MAJORITY POOR? ASKS JCTR

As the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) distributes the draft constitution for comments, it is essential to analyse whether the contents of this important document represent the interests of the majority of the Zambians, especially the poor. “Realising that no other law or Government action can supersede the constitution and that all Government policies and strategies are guided by it, meaningful development can only occur once the needs of the poor are reflected in the supreme law of the land”, says Miniva Chibuye, Coordinator of the Social Conditions Programme of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).

It is important to remember that the constitution is being made at the time when half of the poor people in the country cannot afford the minimum basic food requirements. This is not surprising considering the ever rising cost of living. For instance, the Lusaka Basic Needs Basket (BNB) showed an increase in the cost of living for a family of six from K2,798,580 in May 2010 to K2,799,280 in June 2010. This amount includes the nominal average cost of basic food items and essential non food items such as housing, water and electricity. The cost of food alone amounted to an average of K928,050 increasing by K3,100 from K924,950 in May 2010. The increase was largely attributed to the rise in the cost of dry fish, Siavonga Kapenta, tomato and meat. Reductions were recorded only in the price of mealie meal and vegetables. The average price of bread, salt and tea however remained the same. As these items are very basic adding up to the recommended 2,100 calories per person per day, any good constitution should at least guarantee access to basic food needs.

The question to ask therefore is do the provisions in the draft constitution set sufficient grounds for realising the inherent needs of the Zambian people, especially the poor? 

It is important to recognise that the draft constitution distinct from the current constitution has included more aspects of Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ECSRs) in the Bill of Rights of the national constitution. This is significant because the Bill of Rights affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. Furthermore, provisions spelt out in the Bill of Rights are legally enforceable in any court, tribunal or administrative institution or entity. Any person or group of persons can therefore claim this right through the court of law if the Government fails to fulfil these rights. It is therefore a fundamental duty of the state to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the Bill of Rights within the maximum available resources.

Looking at specific provisions under ESCRs, it is encouraging to note that the draft constitution has included social protection. As such, the Government will be compelled to progressively increase allocations to Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and enable them scale up social protection to the most vulnerable households unable to provide for their own minimum needs.

Another positive development is that retired workers have been catered for in the draft constitution. As provided under Section 65 (4d), “…where a worker who retires or is retrenched is not paid promptly, the retention on the pay roll of that worker, until payment of the pension or retrenchment benefits” will be provided for. This provision will significantly protect retired workers from falling into abject poverty while waiting for their retirement package.  

While the draft constitution has recognised that every person has the right to work and to just and fair labour practices in its Bill of Rights, it is not enough to leave it at that. The high proportion of the workforce in informal employment is what should be responded to in the constitution. Evidence shows that more people are employed below their potential and do not have regular jobs. Most of these are lowly paid. Therefore, this section should be revised to include parts such as; “Government shall progressively increase quality of employment through creation of formal jobs to ensure sustainable income and poverty reduction”, says Ms. Chibuye. The aspect of creating decent work should be spelt out in the Bill of Rights.

Similarly, while the right to education and health have been provided for in the Bill of Rights, the language should be revised to include the aspect of quality to facilitate increased funding towards employment of more staff and investments in necessary equipment and infrastructure. 

Perhaps most disappointing is that fundamental rights such as the right to food, water and housing were left out of the Bill of Rights. This is critical because of the great numbers of people that are being denied of access to food, clean water and decent housing. For instance, the majority of Zambians have inadequate food needed for a healthy living, almost half of the children are stunted, about 40% of the population do not have access to safe drinking water and the rampant cholera cases in high density areas is evidence that there is an urgent need for investment in better housing, water and sanitation.  These statistics alone must compel the state to respect, promote and fulfil these rights by including them in the Bill of Rights and progressively increasing budgetary allocations to the relevant lines for their fulfilment.  

As the Bill of Rights is the cornerstone of democracy and development, the right of every person to at least safe water and adequate food should be guaranteed. It is therefore imperative that the NCC includes the right of food, water and housing as recommended by the Mungomba commission. Furthermore, the sections on employment, health and education should be strengthened by including the aspect of quality.

[For more information, contact Social Conditions Programme of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, P. O. Box 37774, Lusaka, Zambia;
 Tel: 260-211-290410; Fax: 260-1-290759; E-mail: jctr@jesuits.org.zm; Website: www.jctr.org.zm

Related Links

• BNB for June @ K2, 799,280
• MoreReleases...