Gov has failed tobacco farmers – chief Chanje
By Staff Reporter
Chief Chanje of the Chewa people in Chipata district says government has failed to assist tobacco farmers in Eastern province.
In a statement to newsdayzambia.com this morning the traditional leader said he was worried that only two markets were operating and yet there were several tobacco farmers who were expected to sell their produce.
He said the two markets were congested and farmers were made to travel long distances and wait for a longer period in order to access the service.
“The Mugubudu market services several farmers in Chipata and other areas in Chief Mafuta, Chief Mkanda and Chief Chikuwe, I’m wondering why government does not seem to have interest and yet the tax that can be realised from the sales of tobacco can help to make money for infrastructure development,” said chief Chanje.
On Tuesday The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) maintained that the Mugubudu and Kapara floors would not be opened during this year’s marketing season.
TBZ country operations manager, Humphrey Elekani in a statement said the board would not open the two floors because they did not meet the recommended sanitation conditions.
“TBZ had given the owner of the Mugubudu floor an insight of the required sanitary condition, but notes that he has completely done nothing to improve it. As a regulator, TBZ will not open the floor as it risks compromising people’s health,” said Elekani.
