The news of the continued increase in mealie meal prices by millers and other dealers is a source of serious concern to the nation.
Apart from it affecting the stomach, it also has the potential to cause unnecessary indignation and lead to unnecessary animosity, though avoidable.
To an ordinary person, whenever prices of commodities are increased, the first accusing finger is pointed at the Government.
However, not long ago, the Government made its position clear on mealie meal pricing, explaining that there was need for the millers and other dealers in the essential commodity to exercise restraint in their pricing and spare the Zambian people.
This guidance from the State came in view of the rampant abuse of the load-shedding situation as a scapegoat to justify the price hikes.
The position of Government is that it understands the factors so well and, therefore, the wise counsel was not given from a vain perspective but a well-informed one. There is no justification to do so.
Government acknowledges the heavy responsibility on its shoulders to shield the citizenry from exploitation and starvation because the growth and progression of the nation depends on its citizens.
The leaders know that to preach patriotism, the citizenry needs to have food on the table, that is why they are determined to ensure that all the people are protected and shielded from any possible destitution.
To prove Government’s observation apt, the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) echoed the same concerns that there was no justification for anyone to hike mealie-meal prices, but all these genuine and reasonable pleas have not been taken heed of.
As President Lungu said, it would be wise for all those concerned to find common ground with the Government and other groups that have expressed similar concerns about the mealie meal prices to avoid compelling the State to institute controls.
The load-shedding ‘tragedy’ has come as a result of a natural phenomenon, on which the Government has no control at all.
This has been excercabated by the global economic volatility, significantly caused by shocks in big economies including China, which has had a substantial influence, in recent years, on a number of countries, especially Africa.
From the outcries in the communities, it is clear that this scenario, if sustained would not go down well with the people, as we progress and that makes it imperative for all the millers and dealers in the staple food to reflect and discuss with the Government and the ZNFU as well as other relevant bodies to give a relief to the people.