Businessmen using villagers to sabotage FRA relief maize program

By Christopher Miti

Some people in Petauke District are reported to be using villagers to buy maize meant for vulnerable households from Food Reserve Agency sheds for reselling.

The  villagers are being paid 50 Kwacha each to use their National Registration Cards in buying the commodity.

This came to light when Eastern Province Minister PETER PHIRI paid a courtesy call on Chief Mumbi of Petauke District.

District Commissioner MARTHA MULENGA said most of the culprits come from urban centres.

And the Provincial Minister says the government will work with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to address the situation.

Meanwhile, Chief MUMBI said his headmen and Indunas will be verifying names of people who purchase maize from FRA under community sales.