IRATE farmers have called for the dismissal of Choma District Commissioner, Gamela Sikaleya, for alleged failure to oversee issues surrounding the Farmer Input Support Programme – FISP.
A check by Byta FM Zambia, Monday, found farmers from across the district camping at Swan Basic School grounds waiting to have a scheduled meeting chaired by the DC.
Speaking to Byta FM in an interview, one of the farmers, Elizabeth Mwanza, said they received messages from Agricultural Camp Officers that there will be a meeting with the District Commissioner to scrutinize FISP beneficiaries.
Mwanza explained that individuals started arriving at the ground around 06:00 hours, with the District Commissioner arriving later during mid-morning and immediately went for an indoor meeting with Councilors without acknowledging the farmers.
She expressed disappointment that the District Commissioner can call for a scrutiny meeting and ignore the farmers at such a time when they should be preparing to deposit their contributions and inputs.
Another Farmer, Solomon Chiinde, said they have not yet been granted the go-ahead to start depositing when other towns have begun receiving their inputs, hence calling for the firing of the District Commissioner with immediate effect.
And in addressing the crowd after an indoor meeting, Mubula Ward Councilor, Navy Moonga, told the farmers to go home and make deposits, which outraged them.
Moonga also pointed fingers at Byta FM News Reporter, Womba Kasela, prohibiting her from taking pictures saying cameras are not allowed.
Meanwhile, District Commissioner, Sikaleya, wondered why he was assigned to call people in one place for a scrutiny meeting when such assemblies normally take place in camps.