Zambia clings to 28 trucks impounded exporting maize to Malawi

The Zambian government says it will not release the 28 trucks authorities impounded at Malawi border early March until the transporters produce the required documentation for exporting maize to Malawi.

Zambian High Commissioner to Malawi, Salome Mwansa Mwananshiku, told local radio Zodiak on Friday that much as her government is aware of the demand for the staple food in most countries in the southern Africa, exporters need to follow laid procedures to export commodities.

"We need to set things straight and teach people to follow the right procedure so that next time anyone exports anything from Zambia to Malawi or from Malawi to Zambia, they should do it the right way," said Mwansa Mwananshiku.

Each of the 28 trucks is carrying 1,200 bags of maize and each bag weighs 50kg. Put together, there are 33,600 bags translating to 1,680 Metric Tons.

The trucks were impounded when the drivers failed to produce the required documentation permiting them to export the grain from Zambia to Malawi.

Zambia classified maize as a controlled commodity meaning that the grain cannot be exported without accompanying documentation and permit.

Malawi has been worst hit by food insecurity and government has been procuring maize from the neighboring Zambia to feed over 2.8 million people that are in dire need of food.

Most Malawians affected by the food scarcity have for the past five months survived on maize flour imported from Zambia in large amounts.

Malawi government heeded calls by parliamentarians and waived tax on the flour import to allow hungry Malawians access it easily.

Meanwhile, the Zambian flour continues to flood the Malawi markets and the move has helped stabilize the prices of maize which soared to three times the recommended price. Endit