By Wezzie Gausi:
The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has said it is waiting for the Treasury to remit funds to start the renovation at Nkopola Scheme in Mangochi and another one in Chikwawa.
The Treasury allocated K2 billion to GBA for renovation of the schemes and implementation of the mega farms initiative, but the funds have not been disbursed yet.
In an interview, GBA Chief Executive Officer Eric Chidzungu said procurement processes are underway to award the contracts for the renovation.
He, however, said it would be difficult to sign the contracts with the successful bidders as there are no funds for the cause.
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“We took some steps forward to start procurement processes but the issue of funding may be the delaying factor.
“As things stand, we are not sure when the money will be provided. So, we will keep waiting until we get the funds for us to be on the ground and start working,” Chizungu said.
Treasury spokesperson Taurai Banda said the Ministry of Finance was waiting for documentation from the authority.
The Treasury deals with a lot of issues; so, it is proper if GBA approaches us and we map the way forward,” Banda said.
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Agriculture expert Horace Phiri said the delay in cash disbursement could be attributed to resource squeeze on the government’s part.
“Delays in mega farms implementation mean potential benefits such as food, exports and employment emanating from the farms are forgone this year. But that should not be a cause for concern as, when economic conditions permit, we can always implement and benefit from them,” Phiri said.
GBA has about 1,800 hectares ready for the implementation of mega farms in Salima and Chikwawa.
