By: Peter Dennis
IPNews-Monrovia: Commerce and Industry Minister Professor Wilson Tarpeh has expressed the government’s willingness to distribute the overdue stimulus food distribution package.
According to Tarpeh, 36,500 households out of the projected 2.5 million households across the country with the $30 million dollars food project.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism regular press briefing, the chair on the committee of covid-19Household Food Supply program (COHFP) averred that they are working to make sure that the food reach to the targeted households as soon as possible.
He however disclosed that the committee is also targeting orphans including vulnerable as well as health workers consider their role in fight the novel corona virus in the country.
Professor Wilson Tarpeh told a MICAT briefing that they were being challenged when people were allegedly steading the food for commercial purposes thereby threatening a serious punishable measure depending on the current probe by the committee on covid-19Household Food Supply program.
“We can’t be trying to help our people and then people are there steading the food. But we will take the necessary actions against them as soon as the investigation is finalized. This is unacceptable and we will act” he assured the public.
Professor Tarpeh however admitted that some individuals within some households have registered and have not received their supply after their areas have been served.
He further urged them to get at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to get at a compliant desk to register your problem for redress.
“I have heard all these and witnessed that some people have registered and didn’t get food. Some of them didn’t believe it, so they never registered when team was around for registration. Some came while the distribution was on within their areas. So, just get at the office, go to the complaint desk and register. It will be handled. Don’t worry” he asserted.
Tarpeh openly admitted that he is not aware of the duration of the food distribution exercise adding that the process is still on.
“I can’t tell you that the distribution will continue for a year, two or more. All I can say that the distribution is ongoing until the target is fully met” he mentioned.
“Hunger and difficulties don’t know any barrier. Let’s unite to move this country forward” Professor Tarpeh encouraged and concluded.
Currently, Liberia spends around 150 to 200 million dollars annually to import rice into the country with India claiming majority of the capital.
