CHAKWERA SPEAKS OUT ON MAIZE SCARCITY: CALLS MUTHARIKA’s NATIONAL ADDRESS EMPTY

Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed shock over the failure by government to supply enough maize in Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) deports across the country, saying this is unfair to Malawians.

Chakwera said this in a statement after his two-week private tour to the United States where he held meetings with various people.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page seen by FaceofMalawi reporter, Chakwera said Mutharika should demonstrate leadership on the issue rather than making empty threats and shifting the blame to ADMARC officials.

“You and I are aware that the Executive has promised that no Malawian will die of hunger this year. Whether this will stand the test of time or not, we must also demand that no Malawians are subjected to food acquisition systems that deprive them of their God-given dignity as first-class citizens.

“Instead of making empty threats and shifting blame to ADMARC officials, the President should demonstrate leadership by immediately deploying the security apparatus that is constitutionally at his disposal to all the food distribution points in order to prevent a Food-Gate Scandal that is sure to cost lives,” wrote Chakwera.

Turning to the World Cancer Day commemorated two days ago, Chakwera accused the government for failing to update Malawians on what actions it is taking to deal with cancer in the country.

“I noted with sadness that the Executive allowed this day to pass without even informing us where, as a country, we stand in the battle against Cancer. Considering that in September 2014, I led the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and other opposition parties to authorise borrowing of MK5.2 billion (US$13 million) from the Opec Fund for International Development for the construction of a National Cancer Centre in our nation’s capital, it is a marvel that the Executive has nothing tangible to report after 16 months!

“How can we expect anything progressive from the Executive when even matters of life and death are not enough to spur it into the “business unusual” mode we were promised?,” wondered Chakwera.

Chakwera is expected to be in the country today.