Agriculture and Livestock minister Emmanuel Chenda says he is disappointed at the failure by some commercial banks in the country to pay small scale farmers for the maize they have supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Speaking in Chinsali yesterday during the 48th Independence Anniversary celebrations held at the Presidents Park, celebrated under the theme “ Celebrating 48 years of independence with vision, hard work and unity” Mr.Chenda said it is not good to see farmers failing to get their money from the banks when the Government has already released the funds.
Mr. Chenda said he will follow up the matter when he returns to Lusaka and ensure that all the commercial banks in the country, through which small scale farmers are getting their money, pays the farmers what belongs to them.
Mr. Chenda told people from all walks of life and opposition political parties who turned up to celebrate the 48th Independence anniversary, that the Government is committed to ensure that it purchases all the maize from the small scale farmers by October 31.
And Mr. Chenda has said that the gallant sons and daughters of Chinsali, the likes of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, late Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Robert Kapasa Makasa and many others paid the ultimate price for the peace being enjoyed today .
He said the freedom fighters were motivated because they had a vision adding that they worked hard with unity of purpose.
Meanwhile, Mama Salome Chilufya Kapwepwe, 85, wife to gallant freedom fighter late Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe and Mwansa Bamba, 85, were among old men and women who received certificates of recognition and appreciation for their role in the liberation struggle.
Meanwhile,
ZANIS
A certificate at 85? What a share waste of paper. it was better to give them some material prizes than just a certificate which will not be used anywhere
WHY DIDN’T YOU FOLLOW UP BEFORE IT WAS TOO LATE?
There goes the dull minister again. This chap failed to run Ndola city as a town clerk and how do you expect him to run a ministry?
Lies Lies Lies Lies, famers are suffering without payment and blame is on bankers. Well, you gave back a Zambian bank to Mattani and thats what you get for poor famers.
Iwe you have run put of lies every time you say different things at first you did not have money now you are accusing the banks how can a bank refuse to pay money.simple either there are no funds or your loan has not been approved