The governing Malaŵi Congress Party (MCP) has dismissed claims that its legislators alongside close business associates are ferrying the reported 10, 000 metric tonnes of rotten maize from the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC’s) Malangalanga Warehouse in Lilongwe to Doŵa and Salima districts respectively.

According to an investigation by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), about 15 trucks most of them owned by MCP lawmakers started loading the maize on Wednesday this week.

Disclosed CDEDI “Our investigations have revealed that about 15 trucks [ranging from 10 to 15 tonnes], most of which are owned by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Members of Parliament and their close business associates started loading the maize at around 11am on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.”

CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa said authorities need to invite Malawians to conduct a verification exercise of the said rotten maize before it is sold for animal feed.

“CDEDI demands ADMARC to produce documentary evidence from a reputable laboratory that tested the maize,  and shows that it is not fit for human consumption.

“Secondly, we beseech the Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale to invite Malawians, including us at CDEDI, to conduct a verification of the said rotten maize right in the Malangalanga warehouses,” Namiwa said.

But MCP spokesperson Maurice Munthali brushed off the accusations saying no member of the party is involved in the deal and that there is no evidence.

“The MCP doesn’t have any information to that effect, and we don’t expect any MCP leader of member to do that because that would amount to corruption.

“But so far we are denying that because we don’t have any proof and those that are alleging that this is the case haven’t presented concrete proof,” said Munthali.

Minister for Agriculture Sam Kawale told YONECO FM that he will respond to the matter through a statement in Parliament.