MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
GOVERNMENT says 90 percent of the funding for outstanding payments to farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is already in the banks.
Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the remaining 10 percent will be deposited today.
Mr Mweetwa, who said there will be no excuse for nonpayment, called on banks to
expedite the modalities of paying farmers.
“As Government, it has now come to our attention that part of the reason delaying payment is the challenges farmers face in accepting new methods of receiving money through modern technology,” he said.
Speaking at a media engagement in Choma, Southern Province, Mr Mweetwa said Government will engage bankers and farmers to find ways of making payments without delay.
He said payments to farmers are expected to be concluded by January 10.
Mr Mweetwa added that the Head of State is aware of the delays, which he explained were for a good reason: to pay farmers a premium price for their commodity rather than selling to briefcase buyers.
“This is work in progress and this year this situation is not expected to replicate itself. The delay arose from the national disaster and emergency we faced, which required realignment of the 2025 budget. We needed to purchase maize from Tanzania and also early maize from commercial farmers to ensure that no Zambian died of starvation. It was better to buy expensive maize and safeguard lives,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa, who is Minister of Information and Media, said better days are coming as the country negotiates the last bend of difficult moments.
He further assured the nation that Zambia will soon be energysufficient owing to various solar projects.
Meanwhile, Mr Mweetwa announced that President Hichilema will address a rally in Choma District, Southern Province, which will be attended by various political players, including those from the opposition…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
