By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, October 12, Mana: Government has warned that it will not tolerate corruption in the lean season food distribution across the country.

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, made the remarks Saturday at Nsanje Prison ground where he held a rally.

He said food distribution is meant for people affected by hunger in the country, including Nsanje District, as such government will not entertain any corrupt practice in the course of the programme.

“Government is committed to provide food to the affected households in Lower Shire and Malawi as whole regardless of political affiliation," he said.

The minister, therefore, urged communities to report any suspected corrupt practice during the distribution exercise and on all other government social protection programmes.

According to Chimwendo Banda, close to 40,000 people will start receiving maize for four months from next week.

He assured people of Nsanje that government has put resources to transform people’s lives in the Lower Shire districts.

“We are constructing the railway line from Marka to Bangula. Soon, we will start construction of Gwanda Chakuamba Highway,” he disclosed.

Minister of Information and Digitilisation, Moses Kunkuyu, urged people in Nsanje to support the Chakwera led administration saying it has the welfare of people at heart.

Senior Chief Chimombo appealed to government to reduce maize price in ADMARC markets, saying a lot of people are failing to buy the commodity due to high prices.

Chimombo, however, hailed government for proving relief maize to households affected by hunger in the district.

Over 36,000 households are expected to receive one bag of 50 kilogram maize, per month for four months.