By Suleman Chitera
Nkhotakota, Malawi — The sugar shortage in Nkhotakota District has reached alarming levels, with traders now spending nights at sugar distribution outlets in a desperate bid to secure supplies.
Some traders have reportedly been sleeping outside the outlets for up to four consecutive days, hoping to be among the first served when distribution begins each morning.
The situation has sparked anger among local businesspeople. Emmanuel Phiri accused traders from outside the district of buying large quantities of sugar and reselling it at inflated prices.
“They buy sugar in bulk and resell it at very high prices to Malawians,” Phiri said.
Another trader, Ester Kapanga, said the sugar is being resold at around K100,000 per bale, after being bought at official outlets at K69,500 per bale. She appealed to government authorities to intervene, saying the situation has also led to mistreatment of traders at distribution points.
“People are suffering and being harassed while just trying to buy sugar. Government must step in,” Kapanga said.
Investigations have revealed that some of the individuals camping at the outlets are not genuine traders but are allegedly hired by businesspeople involved in the malpractice. These individuals are reportedly paid K10,000 per bale after successfully purchasing sugar on behalf of their employers.
This is happening despite the fact that the sugar is produced locally at Dwangwa, only about 60 kilometres from Nkhotakota, raising further questions about supply and distribution challenges.
Authorities have so far not issued an official statement on the matter.
