Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata has appealed to leaders in Mwembeshi area to ensure that all eligible community members benefit from the relief maize once it arrives in the area.
Ms. Mulyata was responding to concerns from some residents who mentioned that youths were being left out in some programmes despite some of them being among the most vulnerable.
She said the government wants to ensure that everyone benefits from the relief maize programme as it is meant for all vulnerable people and not just the aged.
“We are relying on you the civic leaders, the CWAC members and all other leaders here to work together so that this program serves its intended purpose, so please ensure you make these lists in a very transparent manner,” she said.
Ms. Mulyata further cautioned leaders in the area not to be derailed by some political parties that have been seen to be politicizing the drought situation.
Ms. Mulyata assured the residents that the relief maize will soon be made available to the area through the District Commissioner’s office.
Meanwhile, Mwembeshi Ward Councilor Arnold Dube has pledged to ensure that the relief maize that will soon be received in the area benefits the most vulnerable community members.
Mr. Dube said he is working with the various sections in the community among them the church, headmen and the ward development committees to ensure the maize goes to the right people.
He explained that the team is working together to come up with lists of deserving beneficiaries from the communities in a transparent manner.
“As indicated by the minister, we are expecting the relief food to come soon. We have already been working together as leaders in the area to ensure we identify the most vulnerable as recipients,” he said.
Mr Dube further added that the move by the government to provide affordable maize to citizens through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depots in the wake of the ongoing drought should be commended.
He explained that prior to the initiative, the residents in the area were being exploited by some people.
He mentioned that the quick response from the government is appropriate as it will help tackle the hunger situation in the area.
And Mumeka Nabika, a resident of the area, expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema government for the initiative.
Mr Nabika said prior to the opening of the maize selling depots, the community faced a huge challenge to access affordable maize for consumption.
He said it is unfortunate that the last farming season was a failure despite farmers in the area having received the fertilizer from the government on time.
“We are grateful for this initiative and especially because we have been assured that it will continue until the next harvest in April,” he said.
