Govt firm on sugar bill but sets no tabling date

The government says there is no definite timeframe for tabling the long-awaited Sugar Industry Bill but assures that the process is in its final stages.

Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale stated that his ministry has completed its part and is now waiting for the Ministry of Justice to review the bill before it is presented to Parliament.

“There is no set date, but we are hopeful it will be tabled in the next parliamentary sitting,” Kawale said.

His remarks follow demonstrations by the Sugarcane Growers Association of Malawi (SUGAM), which is demanding the speedy submission of the bill to Parliament.

Ministry of Trade spokesperson Patrick Botha also confirmed that the bill is still under review.

“As the Ministry of Trade, we are closely monitoring the process, and we are confident it will be presented in the next sitting,” Botha said.

However, SUGAM has warned it will hold vigils at Capital Hill over the delayed Sugar Bill.