Africa-Press – Zambia. The termination of the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Chief Executive Officer, Chola Kafwabulula, has been met with criticism from the opposition Leadership Movement, which says it will not solve the current high mealie meal prices in Zambia. The FRA board terminated Dr. Kafwabulula’s contract yesterday without providing any reasons for the decision.
“There is a need for the UPND administration to find a lasting solution to the mealie meal crisis,” said Party Secretary General Jairos Ngoma during a media briefing. “Recent sentiments by the FRA Board Chairperson Kelvin Hambwezya, urging Zambians to stop depending on Nshima and resort to other foods such as rice, are worrying. Such a statement reveals a lack of production in the system.”
Mr. Ngoma attributed the high mealie meal prices to high ZESCO tariffs and called for the power utility firm to lower tariffs for millers in order to reduce the commodity price. “The present high rise in the commodity price will require ZESCO to find ways it can lower tariffs for millers,” said Mr. Ngoma.
UPND Secretary General Batuka Imenda reassured Zambians that the government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is working to reduce the cost of mealie meal and other commodities. “The government is working tirelessly to ensure that the cost of mealie meal and other commodities are reduced further,” he said in a statement. “The current adjustment to K160 for breakfast has been necessitated by fundamental economic factors.”
UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso also urged Zambians to be patient with the party as it looks for solutions to the current challenges they are facing. “The UPND government is methodically working at bettering the lives of Zambians, a process which might seem slow but beneficial,” he said. “The UPND government is aware of the challenges Zambians are experiencing, especially the high cost of living, and is already putting measures in place to address the situation.”
“The UPND has not forgotten its campaign promises and is striving at ensuring that all its promises are fulfilled,” assured Mr. Liswaniso. “As can be seen by the creation of employment and various empowerment programs, the UPND is striving to fulfill all its promises.”
The opposition Leadership Movement has called for a lasting solution to the high mealie meal prices in Zambia, while the UPND government is working to address the challenges faced by Zambians.
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