Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) commissioner Charles Kalemba has refuted reports that the department bought K200 million worth of Kapenta from Tanzania but said they have only purchased K7 million worth of the relish locally.

Kalemba told the press that Dodma follows normal procurement processes and that the supplier is accredited by Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority.

Kalemba explained that ordinarily Dodma is supposed to purchase beans for the victims but with incessant rains a decision was made to buy relish that can be prepared easily.

Said Kalemba: ” The K7 million kwacha that we have used translate to 500 bags of Kapenta. In fact the funds haven’t been paid yet, it’s just a framework agreement.”

Kalemba has since appealed to the public to desist from spreading fake rumours saying they have the potential to discourage potential well wishers or donors from supporting government efforts.

Souce:NPL