Hope revives for Chisoka Cooperative as MP Namwali steps in.

Thyolo Goliati MP Maureen Namwali has vowed to continue supporting Chisoka Cooperative, which failed for over 17 years to start producing Tomato sauce and Chipere, despite the machines being available, due to a lack of funds to start production. During the MP's visit, it was disclosed that the tomato cooperative, which started in 2009 under President Bingu wa Mutharika of DPP, aimed to reduce the number of damaged tomatoes from markets and benefit local farmers, but did not go as planned, though the machine and factory were instituted. Factory manager Stamford Mupiwa said lack of financial support has been the main restricting factor that pulled them back from starting to produce products from tomato and Nandolo. Mupiwa said the farmers contributed up to 1 million kwacha, with which they started, but it was not profitable due to a lack of markets nearby to sell the products. Hearing the case, Hon. Maureen Namwali gave the cooperative pigeon peas seeds so that after harvest, they can have a start-up of producing Chipere, while during that time, tomatoes will be bought at a cheaper price, which will boost production again. Answering on the matter where Factory manager Mupiwa revealed that they couldn't access NEEF since 2024, Hon. Maureen Namwali promised them that it will be followed up so that the loan should help them to 100% start producing. The Chisoka Cooperative has over 70 members across the constituency.