NATIONAL ASSEMBLY : 24th June 2008

 

With the recent hikes in interest rates and electricity prices as well as another expected increase in the price of fuel, the impact it has on the prices of basic food items is felt the most by the poor in our communities.

The IFP urges local Governments to coordinate with NGO's, corporates and retailers in their province to begin projects that will aid in addressing the growing food price crisis.  Extending school feeding schemes, opening more soup kitchens in poor communities and encouraging retailers to further discount basic food items are just some examples of how local Government, NGO's and businesses can help ease the burden of growing inflation and general prices increases.  

National Government can also play a role in easing the burden by being a bit creative in dealing with this growing crisis.  The IFP urges the Finance Ministry to rethink the zero rating of more basic food items, as a way of making food more affordable to the poor.

I thank you.