Chitipa CSOs Network warns vendors, Filling station owners over smuggling

By Michael Ng'ambi

Correspondent

Chitipa Civil Society Organizations Network has warned vendors and Filling station owners over the worsening practice of smuggling of sugar and fuel to neighbouring countries like Zambia and Tanzania.

Ziba- We will take another bold step PIC Michael Ng'ambi

The warning comes following an increased practice of smuggling commodities such as sugar and fuel among other products to Tanzania and Zambia respectively.

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting to check on the malpractice on Monday, Chairperson of the Civil Society Organisations in the district, Patrick Ziba, said the vendors' behaviour is detrimental to the country's development.

He said fueling stations such as Simama, Meru and other sugar depots sale their products to vendors who smuggle to Tanzania and Zambia.

"We want people in the district to stop being deprived of their own products. We heard of the recent smuggling issues of sugar and fuel to Tanzania. This has been happening and we have evidence. Let us love our country and let's allow our own people to benefit and not prioritize smuggling to the neighbouring countries," said Ziba.

Ziba issued a stern warning saying that if the practice continues the CSOs will take another bold step to deal with the malpractice.

However, Sales and Marketing Manager for Simama Sugar, Beatrice Hawonga said the Company is not aware of the recent claim that sugar is being smuggled to neighbouring countries Tanzania and Zambia.