Govt warns mealie meal traders

OLIVER SAMBOKO writes

@SunZambian     

GOVERNMENT has warned mealie meal traders in Siavonga to desist from overpricing the commodity or risk their trading licences revoked. 

District commissioner, Lovemore Kanyama directed traders selling a 25 kg bag of Breakfast at K125.00 to immediately reduce their price or risk being visited by the law. 

Mr Kanyama told the Sun in a statement that his office was aware some traders within Siavonga had pegged the price of mealie meal at K125.00, the development he described as unacceptable. 

“Those traders exploiting the people of Siavonga district by pushing up the price mealie meal will be visited and risk their shops closed and their trading licences revoked,” warned Mr. Kanyama. 

He said traders must not take advantage of the hunger situation that has hit the district to exploit the community. 

Mr. Kanyama further said his office was monitoring the situation and would not hesitate to withdraw mealie meal permits to traders who would not heed his warning.

He directed the Siavonga District council to ensure that all those selling mealie meal at more than K110.00 have their trading permits revoked.

Mr. Kanyama further asked the Police in the area to find appropriate charge in the statute books to slap on traders selling mealie meal at exorbitant price.

The DC encouraged residents in the area to utilize the maize being sold by FRA at K110 per 50kg bag.