The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia in Southern Province has observed that the prevailing economic trends in the country are forcing public service workers to obtain loans to cushion the high cost of living.

Provincial Coordinator Bruce Muleya noted that the continuous increase in commodity prices is outpacing the value of civil servants’ salaries, leading them to resort to loans.

Muleya highlighted that some financial institutions offer loans at high interest rates, trapping civil servants in a cycle of debt to meet their financial needs.

He also pointed out that ongoing debt has hindered some public workers from returning to school to upgrade their qualifications, which is essential in an ever-changing work environment.

Meanwhile, Lusaka-based Financial Advisor Gideon Tembo has observed that many civil servants are caught in serious loan cycles due to poor financial education.

He noted that some public workers tend to spend carelessly without saving, relying on their assured monthly income.