By ANDREW MUKOMA
SOME government workers in Kazungula particularly those from the Ministry of Agriculture have been accused of frustrating government efforts by diverting fertiliser meant for the poor farmers for their personal gains.
Revelations are indicating that some officers have created fake cooperatives where they are diverting the fertiliser and later sell to the farmers at an exorbitant price.
According to the information obtained by the Daily Nation in Kazungula, the trend was rife in Nyawa, Sekute and Musokotwane farming blocs.
A citizen who opted to remain anonymous explained that the government was losing a lot of money under this scheme.
“Farmers are complaining that the fertiliser has not been reaching them because of the said government officers. We have learnt that some camp officers and also senior officers are involved in this illegal activity.
They are diverting inputs meant for farmers by creating bogus cooperatives and later sell it an exorbitant price,” the source explained.
The source added that the government officials involved have been selling fertiliser when they collect it and make it their business at the expense of poor farmers through the illegal cooperatives.
And when contacted for a comment, Kazungula District Commissioner Elias Siamibila confirmed having received reports and indicated that he has already reported the matter to the Permanent Secretary for possible action.
Mr Siamibila said that this behaviour was unacceptable as it has made the people of Kazungula not to be receiving their fertiliser, which is given to them by government.
“You will understand that Kazungula has had a problem in terms of the number of packs that one farmer was being given during the PF government but in the new dawn administration, they are receiving six packs instead of two.
But with such conduct from officers who are employed by the government to administer and serve the people to be involved in dubious activities, it surely calls for punishment,” Mr Siamibila said.
