Many Zimbabweans Deemed Poor As The Poverty Datum Line Jumps To Over $2K In September

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has announced that the poverty datum line in the country jumped by 20 percent from ZWL$1 827 in August to $2191.62 in September for a family of five.

The agency observes that the jump was triggered by the soaring inflation as the local currency continues to shed value against major currencies, especially the United States dollar. Zimstat said:

The TCPL (Total Consumption Poverty Line) for an average of five persons stood at $2 191.62 in September 2019.

This means that an average household required that much to purchase both food and non-food items for them not to be deemed poor.

Meanwhile, salaries of workers across sectors have remained relatively unchanged despite the inflation.

Government workers have since written to their employer declaring incapacitation to execute their duties and responsibilities.

More: The Chronicle