Govt warns against maize pilfering by satellite depot clerks during the 2020 crop marketing season

Government says it will not condone reports of maize pilfering by satellite depot clerks during the 2020 crop marketing season. Solwezi District Commissioner Rosemary Kamalonga says any reports of connivance and cartels at satellite depots will not be tolerated adding that such criminal acts will have serious consequences. Ms Kamalonga said government expects depot clerks to operate in an effective, efficient and professional manner as substandard performance will not be tolerated. She  was speaking in Solwezi  yesterdayday when she opened the 2020 crop marketing orientation training for 34 depot clerks for Solwezi, Kalumbila and Mushindamo districts. In addition, ZESCO has to pay CEC close to US$12 million annually, to transmit its own power meant for supply to retail consumers sitting behind the CEC “curtain” on the Copperbelt through CEC owned infrastructure (a.k.a wheeling). She added that government will not allow resources going to waste due to negligence. Ms Kamalonga called on the depot clerks to adhere to the highest standards of grain management and expertise to avoid lapses. The district commissioner implored the depot clerks to help sensitize farmers on the COVID-19 pandemic so that activities at the depot are not disrupted. Speaking earlier, Solwezi District Agriculture Coordinator MuyoboShimabale said the task ahead is huge and significant as the crops that will be purchased will contribute to the national strategic reserves. Mr Shimabale said government recognizes the important role that depot clerks plays in the maize value chain and cautioned them to exhibit exceptional work performance. The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is expected to purchase a combined total of 14,000 metric tonnes of maize and operate 17 satellite depots in Solwezi, Kalumbila and Mushindamo districts. ZANIS The Sun