Rampant smuggling of mealie meal into the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused a shortage of the commodity in Mufulira District on the Copperbelt Province.
Some concerned residents have called on relevant authorities to swiftly curb the criminality which has caused scarcity of the staple crop.
Theresa Namonje has told Diamond News that the price of mealie meal has increased to 240 kwacha from 195 kwacha for a 25 kilogramme bag, a situation she says is unacceptable.
Ms. Namonje adds that the current high mealie prices are contrary to the lower cost of living promised by the UPND government while in opposition.
By Rogan Labika