Ali Phiri

Chiradzulu district commissioner (DC), I would realise that my decision to stop Mary View Home-Based Care Centre from distributing madeya to hungry villagers is cruelty at its worst.
If I were bwana DC, I would not issue the order to stop the distribution on the grounds that it is hazardous to the health of the villagers without providing a solution.
Oh yes, I would realise that my assurance to help the centre source maize from Admarc is a big joke considering the current situation in most Admarc depots where people are spending days and nights without accessing the commodity.
I would ask myself this question, if I were the DC: where was I all this time when people in the district were struggling to access maize for me to come out now and assure them that I will source the commodity from Admarc?
If only I were the DC for Chiradzulu, I would further realise that while madeya may be considered animal feed, poor Malawians have consumed it for years and indeed, it is better than eating wild tubers or starving altogether.I would also realise the wise words that njala n’chirombo.
Oh yes, that is if only I were Ali Phiri, but unfortunately I am not the DC for Chiradzulu. 