MAKE NSHIMA AFFORDABLE FOR ALL
THE persistent queues for Zambia National Service (ZNS) Eagle mealie meal, as highlighted by Howard Kunda, president of Zambia Wake-Up Party (ZAWAPA), paint a stark picture of food insecurity in our nation. It’s a distressing reality that demands immediate attention from the government.
The scarcity of affordable mealie meal, compounded by its diversion to outlets where prices skyrocket beyond the reach of ordinary citizens, is an indictment of the current state of affairs. While the government touts the affordability of ZNS Eagle mealie meal, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one of scarcity, exploitation, and disregard for the plight of the most vulnerable.
It is disheartening that traditional milling companies, which have long served our nation reliably, have been sidelined in favor of ZNS milling operations. This shortsighted approach has not only failed to address the root causes of the crisis but has exacerbated the situation, leaving many Zambians at the mercy of unscrupulous traders seeking to profit from their desperation.
The consequences of inaction are dire. The perpetuation of mealie meal queues not only underscores our nation’s food insecurity but also threatens to plunge us into social unrest. Howard Kunda’s warning of potential food riots should serve as a wake-up call to the government to take decisive action.
To address this pressing issue, the government must prioritize the revitalization of traditional milling companies, empowering them to meet the nation’s demand for mealie meal. By engaging with these established entities, the government can leverage their expertise and market knowledge to ensure a steady supply of affordable mealie meal to all parts of the country.
Furthermore, measures must be implemented to curb the diversion of mealie meal to outlets where prices are inflated beyond the means of ordinary citizens.
This requires enhanced oversight and enforcement mechanisms to deter profiteering and ensure that mealie meal reaches those who need it most.
In the face of mounting challenges, the government cannot afford to remain complacent. It is incumbent upon our leaders to act swiftly and decisively to address the crisis and safeguard the well-being of all Zambians.
Failure to do so would not only betray the trust of the electorate but also perpetuate a cycle of hardship and deprivation that has no place in our nation’s future.