2022 Budget: The Jubilation, Hopes and Frustrations
On 29th October 2022 Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane, delivered his maiden budget speech. Only slightly over two months from his party’s ascent to power- with much of the election euphoria still in the air- the public’s response was emphatic. The budget was bold, with pronouncements whose sheer scale was unprecedented, giving many Zambians hope. This was rightfully so as it promised jobs, increased investments as well as greater decision making for the people. The budget outlined plans to hire 11,200 health workers and 30,000 teachers at the same time raising Constituency Development Funds to K25.7 million per constituency. Over 6 months into the year, the picture has not been as plain sailing. Much of the enthusiasm has waned and been replaced by frustration at the seemingly slow pace at which things have been moving. One might infer that actualizing the revolutionary tone set by the budget has proved to be easier said than done. Into the second half of the year and none of