By Milcah Mathias
Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has condemned the unfair distribution of maize, noting that it frustrates the purpose the maize distribution exercise is meant to achieve.
Addressing Soche West Ward beneficiaries at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday, Usi emphasized that there are people who are conniving with those in authority to receive maize meant for underprivileged households.
“It is a worrisome development that people who are indeed poor are coming here, waiting tirelessly but are not receiving the maize,” said Usi.
“People who are not intended for the maize distribution and are well-to-do are receiving the maize because they are well known to some people in authority,” added Usi.
The Vice President added that there should not be politicization of maize distribution as the maize is intended for poor Malawians, not people affiliated with any political party.
“The relief maize is not for any political party. It is for all hungry Malawians so there should not be segregation or political agendas towards the exercise. Whether they are UTM, DPP, MCP, AFORD supporters they all need to receive maize as they are all poor Malawians,” Usi stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Bright Levers said the bag of maize has come in time of need as he was struggling to feed his family.
“We have been hungry for a week now as we did not have any other means of survival. So, this bag of maize is my hope to feed a family for weeks,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Alinafe Chikoti described the bag of maize as a timely support as he is waiting to harvest maize from her farm in the following months.
Chikoti, however, advised those who sell maize to vendors to refrain from doing that saying this has potential to put their families at risk of hunger.
Meanwhile, 2 400 beneficiary families from Soche West Ward have each received a bag of maize worth 50 Kilogrammes.
