By Lovemore Katanda
Catholic Bishop of Arch Diocese of Blantyre Thomas Luke Msusa has called on Tonse Alliance government to reduce the prices of basic commodities, saying people are going through hard times when purchasing basic items such as cooking oil.
Speaking on Sunday June 6, 2021 at the end of the Holy communion at saint Montfort Parish in Blantyre, Msusa pleaded with the vice president Saulos Chilima who was also part of the congregation to liase with his colleagues in government to find ways of reducing the prices of basic items to mitigate the impact of covid-19 pandemic and reduce economic adversities.
“I am happy to have you here Mr. Vice President. Things are bad in this country. Please, reduce the prices of basic commodities like cooking oil. These people are buying them at very high prices,” said Msusa after the holy mass of Ashy Day that was not traditionally observed due to covid-19 restrictions.
The Archbishop further advised the VP and other political leaders to fulfill their promises made during campaign and to continue fighting against corruption.
“Let us all pray for VP and other influential leaders to have the spirit of uprooting corrupt acts. This will help to stabilise our national economy,” Msusa told the worshipers.
Msusa however, implored the church gathering to observe and follow covid-19 preventive measures so as to successfully contain the new variant.
Every year in June , Catholics observe ashy day and Christians experience communal confession as well as moments where they are prompted to silently confess sins and pray but this year the activities to mark the day were Limited due to covid-19 restrictions.
