Blessing Nduku & Buhle Mhlaulo
The Provincial Department of Social Development said that drought food distribution in the Province is at 73% and 119 wards have received their grain allocation.
Speaking during a meeting with journalists, the Provincial Social Development Officer represented by Phillis Tena stated the exact percentage of 7 districts in the province.
“As of 29 July 2024, the Department of Social Development distributed 100 % of their designated grain in Chirumhanzu. In Gokwe North 75%, Gokwe South 51%, Gweru 67%, Kwekwe rural 97%, Mberengwa 68%, Shurugwi100% and Zvishavane100%.”
A total number of 119 Wards in the Province has received their full three-month grain allocation out of 221.
Tena said that as instructed each individual got 7.5 kg of grain in the rural areas and in the urban areas an equivalent of money for cereal and that is the reason why as a province they have not reached 100% distribution.
“In urban areas, this programme is called cash for cereal programme where an individual gets an equivalent amount of 7.5 kg in their One Money account whilst in rural areas they get 7.5 kg of the grain of wheat or maize.”
“Grain might run short before promised recipients’ expectations are met due to grain insufficiency and transport unavailability, however our goal as a Ministry is to make sure that all the recipients can be satisfied.”
Registration for this Cereal programme has started in 6 districts and the dates for them to end are as follows:
Chirumanzu 31 July to 10 August, Gokwe South 31 July to 9 August, Gweru 1 August to 10 August, Kwekwe 31 July to 10 August, Shurugwi 30 July to 08 August and Zvishavane 31 July to 9 August.
ZUJ National Programmes Officer, Eric Matingo said that he is honored to have this meeting for it shows the relationship between the media, government and the community.
“Firstly, I would like to thank you all for coming to this interaction. This meeting shows the relationship between the community, media and the government. It is also one of our mandates and wishes to ensure that we have these kinds of meetings to interact with the media and ensure that whatever we discuss is known out there through the media.”
Under the Zunde RaMmambo programme, Chiefs collected 620 tonnes of grain leaving a balance of 406 tonnes.
Following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of the drought as a State of National Disaster the government has taken swift action to ensure that no one dies from hunger.
The Government introduced measures aimed at ensuring food availability which includes duty waivers on importation of rice, maize, potato seed, cooking oil and genetically modified maize for stock feed.
