‘Regulators making Malawi a dumping ground’
Official regulators like the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Malawi Police Service and the Ministry of Health continue to corruptly allow the entry of substandard products in the country at the expense of consumers’ lives and the national economy, Nyasa Times has learnt.
Transparency International rated the Malawi Police Service as the most corrupt in its 2011 Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
Coincidentally, Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) Board Chairperson Father Boniface Tamani queried this practice during the 2012 Quality Certification Awards held at Mzuzu Hotel on Thursday.
“Why should a consumers risk their valuable lives by buying expired products from a Superrette or Shopping Mall simply because the price has been reduced? And why should a manufacturer choose to use prohibited food additives… for the sake of making large profits?” Father Tamani asked.
But MBS director general Dalvin Chokazinga said the Bureau has positioned itself at designated border posts adding that it intends to do so even in less busy borders to minimize the availability of substandard on Malawi’s markets.
“The Bureau this year also intends to interact with consumers… to create the much needed awareness on issues of quality and metrology. We believe that if consumers are aware, all substandard products will be driven out of our markets as there will be no patronage,” Chokazinga said.
Eleven northern region based companies received Permit and Designation Awards. Alifeyo Bakery, Universal Industries (Mzuzu), Rumphi Metro bakery and Mzuzu PTC main shop Bakery received Permit Certificates Awards.
While Chitimba beach Campsite, Mikoma Beach Lodge, Ngara Resort, Sangiro Sanctuary, Simuka Inn, Namiashi Lodge and Universal Industries got Designation Certificates Awards
“I believe that knowingly or unknowingly, the companies we awarded for excellence on compliance to quality requirements for their products were committed to doing their trade excellently,” said Father Tamani.
He said MBS will intensify its spot checks and will confiscate all products which it has not approved.
“Let me warn all vendors and shopping outlets to refrain from stoking uncertified products to avoid loss of revenue and reputation,” the Board Chairperson said.
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