By Llywellenie Mpasa
State Vice President Michael Usi has expressed concern over the slow implementation of Admarc Limited’s reforms after discovering that some key production areas of the corporation are not fully operational.
During an inspection of Admarc facilities in Liwonde, Usi said inefficiencies within the State-owned grain marketer have allowed vendors to manipulate and inflate commodity prices, particularly maize, which is a staple food for many Malawians.
“As we speak, some of the key production facilities are dormant, meaning the supply of maize and other commodities is not being properly regulated.
“This has given vendors the leeway to drive up prices making it difficult for ordinary Malawians to afford basic food items,” Usi said.
Maize prices have risen in various markets across the country, with some areas recording prices as high as K100,000 per 50-kilogramme bag, a sharp increase from previous months.
Vendors have been accused of hoarding the commodity and taking advantage of the supply gap left by Admarc’s purported inefficiencies to sell at inflated rates.
During the tour, Usi called for accountability among officials responsible for the deterioration of Admarc’s machinery.
“There must be someone who should be held accountable for the degradation of machinery. Someone must be fired and some must be arrested, depending on the nature of the negligence affecting the local community,” he said.
Usi’s tour yesterday included Admarc’s rice milling plant in Liwonde and Zomba City Council offices.
During the visits, the vice president held meetings with senior officials from Admarc in Liwonde and council officials from Zomba City Council, where they presented progress reports on the implementation of their reforms programme.
“When we talk about reforms, we are looking at doing things differently. Who is benefiting from these inefficiencies?” Usi questioned.
He further said that government workers must strive for optimum results rather than just focusing on their salaries.
Admarc Limited Chief Executive Officer Daniel Makata acknowledged the challenges facing the State-owned enterprise but assured that efforts are underway to implement key reforms.
Makata added that Admarc is executing two reform areas under the reforms contract aimed at improving infrastructure, equipment, quality assurance and food safety.
He added that the reforms seek to facilitate prudent financial management to ensure the proper and efficient utilisation of resources.
Makata said the rice processing plant, installed in 1996, has the capacity to produce 50 metric tonnes per 24 hours.
However, due to operational inefficiencies, it is currently producing only 22.5 metric tonnes per 24 hours, significantly below its potential annual capacity of 6,500 metric tonnes.
He further pointed out that one of the major challenges is that the plant is operated manually for smaller packs of less than 25kg, which affects overall efficiency.
“Enhancing operational efficiency and improving the commercial services offered by Admarc will enhance customer satisfaction, streamline business operations and drive economic growth, making Admarc more competitive both domestically and internationally,” Makata said
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