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(LUSAKATIMES) Mealie meal prices are unjustified, Tetamashimba

Mealie meal prices are unjustified, Tetamashimba
November 13, 2008

MMD Spokesperson, Ben Tetamashimba, says the current high mealie meal prices are unjustified. He told ZNBC news said that government feels the exorbitant prices are being instigated by persons opposed to the current administration. Mr. Tetamashimba said government will not sit idle and watch Zambians go hungry because of selfish individuals.

Mr. Tetamashimba who is also Local Government Deputy Minister feels the high mealie meal prices may be a recipe for anarchy. He also disclosed that President, Rupiah Banda, had a meeting with all the millers where it was resolved that the prices of mealie meal should be reduced.

Mr. Tetamashimba suggested that the price of roller meal should not exceed 50 thousand kwacha while that of breakfast must be arround 55 thousand kwacha.

Government has been called upon to deal ruthlessly with millers that are hoarding maize for profiteering and speculative motives aimed at embarrassing government.

And Forum for Leadership Search (FLS) Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo says the move has resulted in inflated prices of mealie meal at the expense of the citizenry.

Mr. Lifwekelo told ZANIS in Lusaka today that some millers are bent on causing an artificial shortage of the staple food for political expediency.

He said finding a lasting solution to the sky rocking mealie-meal prices calls for all stakeholders to work together to address the problem.

Mr. Lifwekelo urged critics to stop demonizing President Rupiah Banda over the escalating mealie-meal prices as the matter should not be politicized.

He said the price of mealie-meal has nothing to do with the President Banda’s campaign promises but urged stakeholders to give an opportunity to President Banda to provide leadership over the matter.

Mr. Lifwekelo urged Zambians to be wary of leaders who are bent on alarming the nation.
ZANIS/KC/AM/ENDS

Labels: MEALIE-MEAL

posted by MrK @ 8:19 PM