Chieftainess Nkhomeshya speaks out on maize price
By JOHN KOMBE
THE price of maize in the current crop marketing season leaves much to be desired, says Chieftainess Nkhomeshya Mukamambo II of the Soli people of Lusaka Province.
The chief said this during this years’ Chikwela Makumbi traditional ceremony which was held at her palace in Chongwe.
In a speech read on her behalf she bemoaned the low maize price. "The inputs are costly and the farmers work hard to produce the maize, but the price is not as rewarding. I appeal to government to consider the plight of the farmer," she said.
She re-echoed her appeal for a better floor price when she was called upon to pray for rains and bless the seed.
The Chieftainess asked government to consider raising the floor price of maize as a way of rewarding the hardworking farmer.
She further appealed to government to construct more staff houses for health personnel at Chongwe District Hospital and other health facilities.
She also appealed for government’s intervention in the stalled construction works at Palabana and Chalimbana universities.
"Universities which were started later have been completed yet these universities remain at the same stage," said.
She further requested government to rekindle the stalled road works that were earmarked for upgrading to bituminous standard.
She however thanked government for the many good works and assured that she would remain neutral and not meddle into politics.
The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Davies Chama who was guest of honour and representative of President Edgar Lungu, Lusaka Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe, senior government officials, political leaders and parliamentarians such as Garry Nkombo of Mazabuka central as well as traditional leaders.