By Staff Reporter
Timothy Mtambo who is one of AIP Task Force members and Minister of National Unity today arrived in the North to personally inspect AIP for Karonga and Chitipa districts. The Minister was able to fast track fertilizer looding at SFFRFM regional warehouses at Luwinga in Mzuzu.
The Northern districts are among top on list with hard to reach areas where there have been reports of severe transport and logistical challenges. Among such places are Karonga, Mzimba, and Nthalire in Chitipa.
Mtambo told reporters that the Task Force has engaged the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to help with quick transport and logistical assistance. MDF has provided 10 trucks which have already been dispatched to deliver NPK and Urea fertilizers at South Kapolo, Kapoka and Nthalire.
“The major challenges were inadequate selling points in places like Mzimba Boma, Chitipa, Karonga, and fewer trucks to deliver fertilizers straight from Liwonde and Lilongwe, but these challenges have since been resolved,” said Mtambo.
Mtambo’s efforts will fast track over 500 tonnes of NPK and Urea fertilizers to be delivered by end of this weekend.
The Minister also reported that while he was expected to be in Mzuzu, Karonga, and Chitipa, Minister of Agriculture, Hon Kawale was already inspecting and assisting wherever help was needed in the other northern districts. The Minister of Youth Hon Chimwendo who is also Chairperson for AIP Task Force was also reported to have traveled to districts in the Southern region.
Mtambo told reporters that Malawians, especially those in the hard to reach areas should not worry saying that every area will be reached with AIP materials for this growing season.
“Let me thank and congratulate the State President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for leading this relentless fight for Malawi to achieve food security,” said Mtambo.
Many farmers in the Northern districts have since regained hope for a successful Chakwera inspired AIP after Mtambo’s visit and fast tracking of fertilizer delivery in selling points of most hard to reach areas.
