The Zambian government has released K115 million to salvage more than 80 000 tons of maize that transporters refuse to ferry because of money owed to them.

Concerns about possible damage to the crop are escalating, after the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) forecast heavy rains for this weekend.

“The money released to FRA is to facilitate settlement of some of the outstanding debts in the food reserve purchasing chain,” said spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, Chileshe Kandeta.

He said an additional K85 million will be released towards the liquidation of the K200 million the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) owes transporters.

Transporters have parked their trucks demanding payment.

Meanwhile, heavy rains are expected this weekend in three provinces, heightening concerns about damage to maize that has not been ferried to secure storage facilities.

“Rains are expected in North Western, Luapula and some parts of Western Province,” said ZMD acting Principal Meteorologist, Oliver Mudenda.