The Zambian government has deployed military personnel to patrol the Northern Circuit and Copperbelt Provinces in order to curb rampant smuggling of mealie meal into the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in the capital city Lusaka, Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma, and his Home Affairs counterpart, Jack Mwiimbu, disclose that the move is due to the threat of the vice that may cause national food insecurity.
Mr. Lufama says to mitigate shortages in affected places the Zambia Police and Correctional Services will deliver more mealie meal to revive supply at affordable prices.
And Mr. Mwiimbu has warned farmers against selling their land to foreigners because such may hamper crop production in seasons to come.
He has since reiterated government’s stance that no maize will leave Zambia without a permit.
The shortages of Mealie Meal being on the Copperbelt province is causing panic buying among citizens, that keep flocking to retail outlets in desperate attempts to access the staple food.
By Rhodah Mvula