Mzuzu City Mayor, Desire Nyirenda, has warned households that have received relief maize under Lean Season Food Insecurity Program through Department of Disaster (DoDMA) against selling the commodity.
Speaking early this week at Mchengautuba Township, when he launched the relief food distribution program in the city, Nyirenda said those who will sell the relief maize will not be considered next season.
“This program targets vulnerable households but it becomes disappointing when you see those who are deemed to be vulnerable selling relief items, in this case, maize. We have seen some beneficiaries of Agriculture Input Program selling out fertilizer and spending the money on alcohol. I therefore advise the beneficiaries of this program against such a malpractice, Nyirenda said.
He then appealed to government to continue including city residents in safety net programs.
“Free maize distribution used to take place in districts only. Today thank government through DoDMA for extending the program to people living in the city, he added.
One of the beneficiaries of the program, Ella Mlawe, 87, from Village Head Kangawa Mhone said she is excited for the relief maize which has come at an opportune time as he had slept on an empty stomach for days prior to this day.
“I am very happy for these two bags of maize. Tomorrow I will eat. I keep four grandchildren and this maize will really help me and the children,” Mlawe said.
She added that sometimes she used to eat sweet potato leaves (kholowa) only without nsima which she described as a very painful thing for the grandchildren.
About 5561 households are expected to benefit from the program in Mzuzu City.