Northwestern Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu has commended the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for playing a key role in combating smuggling of maize and other commodities out of the country.
Mr Mubukwanu said smuggling of maize from Northwestern to other countries was putting the regional food security at risk.
He said ZNS working closely with the provincial administration has managed to reduce smuggling activities.
“Commandant, we appreciate the high levels of discipline exhibited by your officers in the region and they are cooperating. They have also greatly contributed to the reduction of smuggling activities. We urge them to continue with the spirit and job well done, together we can spur development in our country,” he said.
ZANIS reports that the provincial minister said this when ZNS Commandant, Lieutenant General Nathan Mulenga paid a courtesy call on him at his office.
Mr Mubukwanu also thanked government for having connected all the districts in Northwestern Province to the national grid.
And Lt. General Mulenga said all his units in the region are functioning properly due to the power connection and support from government.
He stated that the officers will not relent in curbing smuggling as it is dangerous to the country’s development.
Lt. General Mulenga further reiterated the call for officers to refrain from politics saying anyone found wanting will face disciplinary actions.
We thank you for dealing with these upnd thugs.
Why smuggle maize? Government has authorized export of maize.
Bo Mubukwanu shangwe,
If anything we wanted our farmers to work extra hard was to open up Congo boarder for money survival. Lootters of mukula and maize are wel known but left sort free. We need a liberalized economy where a farmer can sell his produce free and not being harrased. Maelie mill is sold at K150/25kg bag but when a Congolese is able to buy a bag of maize at K200 a 50kg bag. FRA can not buy from a farmer more than K100/25kg bag.
The term smuggling was first and last heard during KK’s time of hunger. It has resurfaced in today’s time of hunger.
In my little knowledge the word smuggling means stealing. Why will one’s farm produce when he/she tends to sell to a source where he feels will get a lot of money then you prohibit that individual with the term smuggling?
What exactly is ZNS doing? In the photo it looks like they are tearing up a bridge to prevent trade… err, I mean to “combat smuggling”.