Zambia plans to import maize

Zambia which used to export maize to Zimbabwe is this year pondering on the measures to import the staple food as the drought seem to have hit most parts of Southern Africa.

Zambia President Edgar Lungu  reportedly said  his government is considering to start importing maize to avert famine in view of a persistent dry spell Zambia is experiencing.

The President said the national disaster management committee of permanent secretaries is in discussions with Vice-President Inonge Wina over the issue.

"There could be a likelihood that Government will have to prepare to import maize to cushion the impact due to the erratic rain pattern that the country has experienced. There is that possibility but then again, we have to put measures in place now," President Lungu said.

He said Government is in discussions with experts and other stakeholders on measures to address the situation.

The President was speaking to journalists in Lusaka yesterday before departure for the Copperbelt where he is expected to officiate at United Church of Zambia (UCZ) golden jubilee celebrations today.

State ponders maize imports "All stakeholders are on board to see how we can manage and discussions are on-going.  The talks are still on technical level. But there is a strong indication that we may have to import maize and the time to start preparing is now," he said.

And President Lungu said he will find time to visit residents of Mufuchani in Kitwe whose houses were demolished last week.
"Those are my people; they are close to my heart. I am here because of them. So I will definitely visit them if time allows to share with me what happened. So we can discuss with the Minister of Local Government," he said.

President Lungu said there is need for the ministry to be proactive both in terms of dealing with the councillors and the people who are supposed to be service delivery beneficiaries.

"What is happening is that there seems to be a disconnect between the people who are supposed to be benefiting from the council and the councillors themselves. The demands and needs of the people are not being reflected in the conduct of the councillors.

So we need to revisit this relationship but I am glad that in the new constitution, the mayor will be elected by the overall electorate, this will probably bring a new lease of life on how we govern people on that level," he said.

The President is accompanied by the First Lady Esther, his special assistant for press and public relations Amos Chanda and State House deputy minister Mulenga Sata among other officials.

He was seen off by the vice-president Mrs Wina; Minister of Justice Ngosa Simbyakula, deputy minister of health Chitalu Chilufya among other senior government and Patriotic Front party officials.