Contraband Zambian pap still a concern Product is rife in Zambezi because it is cheaper Illegal Zambian maize is still being imported into the Zambezi Region and continues to sell because it retails for cheaper than our local products. Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu has called on residents of Katima Mulilo to stop buying contraband maize meal from Zambia.Sampofu said the maize meal, branded ''Breakfast Meal'', is brought into Namibia via undesignated entry points, adding that it is a serious concern as it is killing the market for locally produced maize meal.
“We are urging all those who are supporting this illegal activity to stop,” he said.
If confiscated, the maize meal is donated to the Zambezi Regional Council drought relief programme, which is then tasked to distribute the 25 or 50 kg bags of maize meal to needy persons, including vulnerable children and women.
At the same event, deputy director in the finance ministry''s customs and excise division for the north-eastern regions, Willbroad Poniso told Nampa 491 bags of maize meal worth N$98 000 were recently intercepted before it could be sold.
He said since the beginning of the year, the ministry has managed to confiscate Zambian maize meal worth N$220 000.
“This is a serious concern. It is being brought into the country because locals have created a market for it via suspect routes. We will continue trying to curb this trend as best as we can,” Poniso said.
In September this year, Nampa reported that residents of Zambezi prefer the illegal products because it is cheaper than locally-produced maize.
A 25 kg bag of maize meal in Zambia costs Kwacha 80 000 (about N$137).
One bag sells for N$200 in Namibia, which is cheaper than the about N$250 for local maize.
The Zambian product is brought into Namibia at non-designated entry points near Katima Mulilo and as far as the Schukmannsburg area in the Kabbe North constituency.
NAMPA