MPIKA, MUCHINGA PROVINCE – Government through Muchinga Provincial Administration wishes to inform the public of an incident at the Mutamba satellite depot in Mpika and the immediate measures taken to protect the national strategic food reserve.

On Friday, 7th November 2025, a severe windy storm partially blew off the protective tarpaulin covering one of the maize stacks at the depot. This unfortunate incident resulted in approximately 700 bags of maize being exposed to rain.

Immediate action was taken to mitigate the damage. The affected bags were swiftly moved to the Tazara Open Shed in Mpika for drying. We are pleased to report that the drying process has been successfully completed. Following a quality assessment, including moisture content tests, the maize is fit for storage and will be professionally rebagged tomorrow, Monday, 10th November 2025.

As a precautionary measure, the remaining maize stocks at the Mutamba depot are being systematically transported to a more secure Mpika FRA Depot for safekeeping.

Government regrets the soaking of the 700 bags of maize due to this unforeseen natural event. To prevent a recurrence, urgent measures have been implemented to reinforce and secure all tarpaulin covers at the Mutamba depot. Furthermore, a directive has been issued for immediate inspections and the strengthening of security measures for all maize stacks across all depots in Muchinga Province.

The New Dawn Administration, under the steadfast leadership of The Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to ensuring food security for the people of Muchinga Province and the entire nation. The protection of our strategic food reserves is a top priority, and we are taking all necessary steps to safeguard this vital national asset.

Issued by:

(Original copy signed)

Ruth Mumba

Principal Public Relations Officer

Muchinga Province