CSOs Network commends Salima Sugar company as sugar availability stabilizes

Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) along with its 97 network members and CSOs under the banner Malawi Civil Society Led Black Economic Empowerment Movement (MaBLEM) commended Salima Sugar company as well as government for swift efforts in revitalizing the company and stabilizing sugar availability on the local market.

In a press statement released on 24th April, 2024, signed by Chairperson for the network Robert Mkwezalamba and its coordinator Fryson Chodzi says on April, 24 2024, MaBLEM leadership witnessed a historic moment as the first batch of sugar was delivered to SANA MEGA stores in Lilongwe as this follows Salima Sugar company’s resumption of production after closure due to management issues.

The statement further said despite sugar price adjustment, they are saluting SANA for setting the price of 1 kg of sugar at MK2,200 which is a recommended retail price for Salima Sugar.

“MaBLEM remains deeply concerned over the sugar scarcity on the market. This scarcity has led to panic buying and the introduction of imported sugar from other countries, often sold at inflated prices beyond government recommendations, unfortunately this situation has placed a disproportionate burden on the ordinary Malawians while primarily benefiting businesses,” reads part of the statement.

Regarding this fact, MaBLEM took proactive steps to engage local manufacturer to address the bottlenecks in sugar distribution and availability to local consumers and the process is ongoing.

MaBLEM is therefore dedicated in monitoring this process and has mobilized CSO teams across all regions to ensure fairness and advocate for price reductions as production levels normalize.

In this regard, MaBLEM extends gratitude to the management of SANA MEGA STORE for promptly receiving and distributing sugar at recommended retail price for Salima sugar.

MaBLEM is therefore urging Competition and Fair Trading Commission and the Police to intensify oversight and ensure adherence to recommended prices until supply stabilizes by both small and medium enterprises that are taking advantage of Malawians.