By Patson Chilemba
Agriculture minister Mtolo Phiri has gone on leave in the midst of the critical mealie meal shortages and escalating prices of the same commodity.
Well placed sources in the UPND administration have told Daily Revelation that Phiri has gone on annual leave and will only be back in the office in
May 2023
But officials in the Ministry of Agriculture and the UPND administration are wondering the wisdom in Phiri proceeding on leave during this critical time of mealie meal shortages last experienced in the country over 30 years ago, with the skyrocketing prices of the available commodity.
“This is a classical example of a general running away from the battle field when his troops are being battered heavily and retreating. The minister has gone on leave and will only be back in the office in May,” one of the sources said.
President Hichilema announced that the government has come up with emergency measures to contain the shortage of mealie meal, with soldiers being sent to man certain critical points of the country to avoid smuggling.
The government has at the same time removed duty on the import of mealie meal to allow for the importation of the commodity in what they say is aimed at the shortage on the local market.
Phone calls made to Phiri’s line have consistently gone unanswered, same as all the calls made to Agriculture permanent secretary Green Mbozi, Secretary to Cabinet Dr Patrick Kangwa and chief government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda have gone unanswered.
“He’s on leave, what we are told is he’s using some free time to go to some places. He is in Chipata today and will be in Lundazi tomorrow to check on the same mealie meal situation.
