Kazungula farmers that have not yet been paid for selling their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will start receiving their money this week.
Kazungula District Commissioner Muleya Siachinji made an assurance when he addressed farmers who stormed FRA depot Kazungula offices in Livingstone yesterday.
Mr. Siachinji disclosed that government has released a total of K2 billion to pay farmers in the district.
He urged the farmers to remain calm as they wait for their money depending on when they supplied their maize to the FRA.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner has expressed concern at the reported cases of theft of maize in Katondo and Kauwe depots in chief
Nyawa’s area.
Mr. Siachinji warned that the number of depots in the district will be reduced if the cases of theft continue.
And FRA Kazungula District Farmers Cooperation Union Warehouse Manager Muchabila Mwiinga said only farmers who supplied their maize to FRA in August shall be paid first.
Mr. Mwiinga disclosed that farmers have been frequenting his office to protest against delayed payment.
He however, commended farmers from Nguba and Mabwa areas for behaving well and described them as disciplined people.
Mr. Mwiinga said it is unfortunate that some individuals were fond of stealing maize in broad day light in Katondo and Kauwe depots.
He challenged Chief Nyawa to intervene on the matter because the theft was taking place in his chiefdom.
The chief, who seemed to be in the position of knowing the suspects, said there is need to carry out auditing so that the culprits can be brought to book.
In another development, government has released K800 million to pay farmers who sold maize to Food Reserve Agency during this year’s crop marketing season in Kabompo district.
Kabompo District Commissioner, Kennedy Pezo, confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in the district today.
Mr. Pezo said K400 million will be paid through Finance Bank while the other K400 million will be paid through Cavmont Bank Mufumbwe branch on mobile basis.
He said Finance Bank will start paying the farmers in Kabompo district by tomorrow this week.
Mr. Pezo advised farmers to remain calm as government is working round the clock to ensure that all of them are paid as soon as possible.
ZANIS
Ok…seems indisputable a fact that the chaps we voted into power are working! Please go on and thumbs up for no, as so far so good. Remember we wanted a working government!!!
#1 Famers don’t need to protest before they are paid. What working Govt are you talking about?Â
thought that Guy Scott said all farmers would have been paid by 3 weeks ago