From Abubakar Ahmed, in
Katsina
The Katsina State government has flagged off the sale of food items at subsidized rates to cushion the effect of inflation and high cost of food items in the state.
The initiative which is tagged ‘Rumbun Sauki’, will be funded with four billion Naira through the state’s Department of Rural Economy.
Briefing newsmen in Katsina, the Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Radda on Rural Economy, Alhaji Yakubu Nuhu Danja, explained that the initiative was borne out of the state government’s commitment to address the challenge of food shortage in the state.
He explained that under the program, ‘Rumbun Sauki’ shops will be established across the state, starting with the seven major city centers of Katsina, Daura, Funtua, Mani, Kankia, Malumfashi and Dutsinma.
He said the shops will provide essential food items such as rice, maize, spaghetti and flour and to be sold at a ten per cent discount over market prices to consumers.
Danja explained that the staple food items will be available in different packaged sizes of between 1kg to 50kg, to cater for various household needs and income levels.
“The Rumbun Sauki program is specifically designed for state and local government employees, local education authority staff and senior citizens aged 60 and above.
“Beneficiaries are required to register online or physically through designated service providers to ensure transparency and accountability.
“To further ease the financial burden on the beneficiaries, the government has introduced a flexible payment system where purchases can be made on credit, with repayments deducted directly from salaries or pensions.
“Every transaction will be processed using a customized ATM card that will be issued to beneficiaries upon registration.
“Initially, beneficiaries will be allowed to make purchases once a month, but the government plans to extend this to four times per month as the programme progresses.
“The ultimate goal is to extend Rumbun Sauki to all 34 local government areas and, eventually, every political ward in the state.
“This approach is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution and effective implementation of the program.
Alhaji Yakubu Danja explained that in order to maintain the integrity of the initiative, strict oversight mechanisms have been put in place where all fraudulent activities will be met with legal consequences.
He said the policy was meant to serve as a vital intervention for improving welfare and ensuring food security in the state.
