ZCS Launches Kalonga Mealie Meal Distribution
To address soaring prices of mealie meal, the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has officially launched the distribution of Kalonga mealie meal, fulfilling the government’s pledge to provide essential commodities at an affordable rate. The launch ceremony took place in Lusaka at the Dariyaye Milling Plant.
Jack Mwiimbu, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, spoke at the event, making clear the government’s ongoing commitment to alleviating its citizens’ financial burden through mitigating escalating costs of mealie meal. He stressed that this new initiative aligned with the government’s promise and ensured that essential commodities would remain accessible to all Zambians.
“In honoring the UPND’s campaign promise of keeping the prices of essential commodities within reach of its citizens, the government engaged the Zambia Correctional Service and the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to mitigate the escalating prices,” siad Mwiimbu.
One 25 kilogram bag of breakfast meal will be sold at K210 wholesale and K220 retail. Meanwhile, other dealers will offer the mealie meal at K195 and K230 for a 25 kilogram bag of roller meal and breakfast, respectively.
Minister Mwiimbu reiterated the government’s urgency to stabilize mealie meal prices and make them affordable for low-income earners and the general public. He praised the fruitful partnership between Kalonga Milling and Dariyaye Milling Company, underlining its role in expanding production and reaching areas beyond Kabwe.
Mwiimbu further revealed the introduction of an affordable agriculture loan financing program, ranging from K10,000 to K70,000, so as to support agricultural development. This new program is part of the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP) and aims to enhance access to seeds and fertilizers for farmers across Zambia. The Minister encouraged civil servants to take advantage of this loan facility.
He also praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his leadership in driving the country’s agriculture agenda, shedding light on the government’s commitment to expanding Zambia’s economy through agricultural production and value addition.
Frederick Chilukutu, ZCS Commisioner General, likewise announced his gratitude to Dariyaye Milling Company for collaborating with the service in supplying affordable mealie meal the Zambian people. The Commissioner General also outlined the distribution plan and subsequently invited businesses to contribute to making Kalonga mealie meal available across the whole country.
The ZCS’ embarkment on this venture signifies a joint effort between public and private sectors to enhance economic growth and improve the well-being of the Zambian population. Affordable Kalonga mealie meal will make an important contribute to food accessibility for all citizens.