ZANIS COPY – In adequate supplies attributed to shortage of meali meal in Solwezi

In adequate supplies attributed to shortage of meali meal in Solwezi

Solwezi, February 9, ZANIS ——- Mealie meal retailers in Solwezi have stated that the alleged shortage of the commodity in the district is as a result of inadequate supplies they have been receiving from the suppliers.

The retailers who meet with Commerce and Trade Minister Robert Sichinga in Solwezi yesterday explained that millers who are mostly based on the Copperbelt and Lusaka have not been supplying enough quantities of mealie meal to Solwezi to meet the demand.

 They explained that they are receiving only 400 bags of mealie meal every two weeks from the millers which is not enough to meet the demand.

Solwezi Milling Company proprietor Teta Vundamina said the district require about 2000 bags of mealie meal every week if the demand is to be met.

A check by ZANIS at National Milling, Shoprite, Antelope and Mpongwe Milling outlets revealed that the mealie meal stocks have run out.

Shoprite Branch Manager Bruce Mapika said his shop only received 400 bags this week from National Milling instead of 1000 bags while Mpongwe Milling outlet received 800 by 10 kilogram bags of roller a week ago.

The shortage of mealie meal in Solwezi has resulted in high prices of the commodity on the black market where a K25 kg bag is now being sold at K100 rebased (K100, 000) on average.

 And Mr Sichinga urged the retailers to discuss with millers to increase the supplies being supplied to the district considering that there is an increase in mealie meal demand due to increased population.

The minister noted that the shortage has been compounded by the problem of distribution on the part of the millers.