• The reported quantity is not correct.
• Preliminary findings have so far revealed that only 36 bags were affected on a stack of 7,800 x 50 kilogram bags.
• Once physical assessments are concluded, the Agency will issue a comprehensive statement.
Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has dismissed media reports that 9,000 x 50 kilogram bags of maize at Mwenzo Depot in Nakonde District, of Muchinga Province has gone to waste.
Agency Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe told Money FM News that while it is true that the quality of some bags of maize at the said Depot stored on a slab was affected, the reported quantity is not correct.
Mr. Chipandwe clarified that according to preliminary findings, only 36 bags were affected on a stack of 7,800 x 50 kilogram bags.
“FRA wishes to clarify that contrary to a news item aired in some sections of the media earlier today where it was reported that 9,000 x 50 kg bags of maize had gone to waste at Mwenzo Depot in Nakonde District, the Agency wishes to state that the reported quantity is not correct.”
“While it is correct that the quality of some bags of maize at Mwenzo Depot stored on a slab was affected, the Agency wishes to state that preliminary findings have so far revealed that only 36 bags were affected on a stack of 7,800 x 50kg bags,” Mr. Chipandwe said.
He added that the few affected bags of maize at the bottom of only one stack were as a result of the moisture that had accumulated at the bottom.
“Once physical assessments are concluded, the Agency will issue a comprehensive statement,” he added.
According to media reports, 9,000 tonnes of white maize kept outside Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Mwenzo storage shade in Nakonde District in Muchinga Province, have gone to waste.
