Auxiliary Bishop for Mzuzu diocese Yohane Nyirenda says failure by leaders in all spheres of life to ensure maximum production using available local resources remains a major set back for the country to craw out of poverty.

Auxillary Bishop Nyirenda gave the example of the country having abundance water but fails to produce enough food where hunger is the order of the day year in year out.

He said unless leaders whether it be politicians, public servants faith leaders  change their ways and become angry with the suffering, the country will remain one of the poorest in the world.

The Bishop also singled out laziness and beer drinking as other factors fueling poverty among the citizens.

He was speaking during events to mark this year’s world day of the poor at St Paul’s Parish in Mzimba where food items were distributed to ultra poor families.

One of the beneficiaries Monica Moyo who is widowed hailed the Diocese for the support saying the food items which included a bag of maize flour will help in feeding her family of four.

Resources for the food items came from all commissions under Mzuzu Diocese.

This year’s World Day of the poor was commemorated under the theme ‘Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor’.