Zambia: The Chief Choongo of the Tonga speaking people of Monze District has taken a strict stance on the hunger situation of the country. The people under his charge have been affected severely by the drought situation, which has led to food shortages.
Many families in the district are currently strggling to put food on the table and are depending on the government for support. Accordingly, Chief Choongo of the Tonga speaking people has called on the government to continue their support.
He has urged government to ensure that all Food Reserve Agency –FRA- depots in his Chiefdom have maize for easy access by the locals. The food crisis in the country also extends to the support maize that is provided by the government of the country,
According to the people, who have come forward to share their issues, the distribution centers and depots of the district run out of support supplies quickly. The number of distribution depots is also extremely limited
In line with this, chief Choongo claimed that it is currently difficult for his subjects to access Maize because of limited selling points. The Traditional Leader says government should not wait until people perish with hunger in order to commence supply.
The remarks of the traditional leader of the Tonga speaking people sheds light on the severity of the crisis. Many people in the various affected areas of Zambia have taken to black marketing and stealing of the supplies to get food.
He adds that the Zambia National Service produced Mealie Meal is not easily accessible in his Chiefdom. He noted that the situation needs government attention.
Meanwhile, Choongo East Ward Councilor Tyson Hamamba says they are working hard to address the situation affectively. As per the officials, more FRA Maize selling points are being open for people to easily access the commodity.
The Civic Leader says more maize selling points will be opened in the area so that people can easily buy maize whenever needed.