OXFAM calls for logical conclusion on Malawi-Zambia ‘maizegate’
Oxfam – Malawi says it expects the findings, revelations and recommendations from the different inquiries instituted to probe the ADMARC and Zambia maize purchase will help ensure that public resources are used for public interest.
In its statement published in the weekend papers of January 21-27, Oxfam – Malawi said it acknowledges the milestone attained so far into the matter by both state and non-state actors and expects an unyielding probe into the matter.
“Given the importance of maize in Malawians’ life and the severity of the current food insecurity situation, Oxfam, like many Malawians, expects unyielding probe into the matter from those that have been given the responsibility to do so and similarly from those that have duly taken up the active role to probe into the matter,” reads the statement in part.
The organization further says it is highly interested that the matter is drawn to its logical conclusion and that those involved in the allegations are brought to book.
“It is the belief of Oxfam in Malawi that the humanitarian response in Malawi cannot be successful without institutions such as ADMARC playing their important part. And it is the expectation of Oxfam in Malawi that ADMARC will continue playing its role in transparency and accountable manner to ensure that the vulnerable households are able to easily access the food they need, particularly now when over 6.5 million people missed their food entitlements,” highlights the statement.
President Peter Mutharika instituted a commission of inquiry to investigate how maize from Zambia was purchased by ADMARC after the local media published articles alleging that there was a botched deal between Zambia and Malawi where billions of tax payers’ money was swindled.
A number of players joined the investigations into the maize purchase with the Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) clearing ADMARC that all documents reflect that there was no any wrongdoing.
The Parliamentary Committee of Agriculture and the Public Accounts Committee have also jointly formed an inquiry to probe the maize procurement and they have been engaging ADMARC officials, MRA, ODPP and others concerned parties.
Oxfam is a globally renowned aid and development charity with 70 years of experience, working and campaigning with partners in over 90 countries worldwide.
May i request that all issues dealing with maize in the country be investigated by the parliamentary committee. The maize scam that happened during a Chairs’s tenure where one fugitive is at large in the UK, the rotten maize sagga during JB’s tenure and the current one. I am glad that Kamlepo is in this committeee of parliament and see how he will handle this. If we don’t do this now, the maize scam will continue resurfacing as each regime comes and goes and for how long shall we go on limping like fools?