Madam Deputy Speaker, the impact the recent hikes in interest rates and electricity prices as well as another expected increase in the price of fuel, has on the price of basic food items is felt the most by the poor in our communities.
The IFP urges local governments to co-ordinate with NGOs, co-operatives and retailers in their provinces 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, NGOs and businesses can help ease the burden of growing inflation and general price increases. National government can also play a role in easing the burden by being a bit more 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, or alternatively to work on subsidisation and direct food security in terms of getting things done. I thank you.