TASK FORCE FOR WHAT
…millers question formation of Task Force on high cost of mealie meal, say reasons for the rising cost of the staple food are known and solutions are available
…millers question formation of Task Force on high cost of mealie meal, say reasons for the rising cost of the staple food are known and solutions are available
By NATION REPORTERS
THE Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) has questioned the rationale behind the setting up of a task force on mealie meal, saying there are economic dynamics, which are neither social nor political, driving mealie meal prices.
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Responding to a query on the formation of a task force on mealie meal by government, MAZ president Andrew Chintala said: “We do not require a task force because what is happening is an economic activity and not a social or political activity. Hence this makes it unnecessary to have a task force (on mealie meal).”
Mr. Chintala said there was need to appreciate the dynamics of the industry that were affecting mealie meal pricing; ranging from the cost of inputs, to the cost at which the maize was being procured, and also the cost of processing and value addition.
“Solutions to address the pricing of mealie meal are there already, if there is a need for any interventions,” Mr. Chintala said.
He stated that the process of stabilizing the cost of mealie meal would have to scrutinize the entire maize production and processing value chain and pinpoint the price triggers, which should be addressed.
President Hakainde Hichilema has assured Zambians that he is cognizant of the spike in mealie meal prices and is working at finding a solution that would keep the cost of the commodity, which is staple food for most Zambians, in check.
Prices for mealie meal have in recent times ranged between K180 and K200 for a 25 kilogram bag of roller meal, while that of breakfast meal has been fetching around K260 and K280 for a 25 kilogram bag, a development that has stirred concern within government ranks, resulting into the formation of the task force.
The task force comprises of the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo- Phiri and Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga.
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