Mutharika says Malawians should not panic: Assures of ‘more than enough maize’, indirectly responds to bishops

Malawian Peter Mutharika on Monday afternoon gave out statistics to show the country has over 60 000 metric tonnes of maize in Admarc depots, asking Malawians not to panic.

Speaking at a special address to the nation on state controlled Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) just a day after Catholic bishops accused the government of laisez fair attitude in the wake of chronic maize shortages, Mutharika gave out data on how much each Admarc depot has from Nsanje to Chitipa districts, how many trucks of maize are being cleared, how many are on its way to Admarc depots.

He said the 62000 metric tonnes are enough to take Malawi to next year.

However, private broadcaster  Zodiak said on Monday it has discovered that some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials are influencing the buying of maize to the ruling party followers.

The radio gave an example of a situation in Chiradzulu where an Admarc committee was set up to ensure that people bought maize without problems and check vendors but minister of Labour Henry Mussa who is also the treasurer general of the party handpicked party loyalists into the committee as a result they are forcing Admarc officials to sell maize to party followers only.

Admarc publicist Agnes Chikoko confirmed the existence of such committees in some parts of the country but said there are supposed to be non political.

DPP publicist Francis Kasaira condemned such malpractices if they exist and promised to investigate the matter.

Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua said maize might be available in some Admarc depots but accessibility is the problem.

He said this was why Mutharika was summoned to answer such questions in parliament.