Blitz Grain Distribution programme progressing well

GOVERNMENT has so far distributed 31 889,85 metric tonnes of grain across the country, with schools already collecting supplies for the Emergency School Feeding Programme, as the second phase of the Blitz Grain Distribution progresses.

In his post-Cabinet briefing yesterday Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said food-insecure people will continue to receive their three-months’ supply of grain.

“A total of 139 854,94 metric tonnes of grain is expected to be distributed during the months of August to October 2024. Regarding the Urban-Cash-for-Cereal Programme, beneficiary registration, as well as data cleaning and validation, is underway across all the urban domains,” he said.

In Bulawayo, the programme, which is being spearheaded by the Department of Social Services in collaboration with development partners, is being rolled out across wards 7 to 29. It is in response to the severe food insecurity caused by the El Niño-induced drought.

The programme follows a report by the Zimbabwe Livelihood Assessment Committee (Zimlac), which revealed that 41 percent of the urban population is food insecure due to the drought’s devastating effects on agriculture and water resources.

This programme aims to provide financial assistance to urban residents, allowing them to purchase essential food items and cushion them against the harsh impacts of the drought. Following the El Niño-induced drought, which resulted in below-normal rainfall, many people have become food insecure

Dr Muswere said NetOne has been contracted to pay urban beneficiaries under the programme, with payments expected to commence at the end of the week.

The minister also reported significant progress in several priority projects under the Second 100-Day Cycle of 2024, focusing on the Ministries of Energy and Power Development and Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.

“The Tshitulipasi Community Solar Project in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province is at 95 percent of completion, the Mtshabi Grid Project in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province is at 99 percent of completion, and the Matsetsa project in Buhera District, Manicaland Province is 99 percent complete,” he said.

Dr Muswere said the Dete Community Solar Project, in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province is 90 percent complete and the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Station has reached 90 percent of completion.

Dr Muswere said the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology is also nearing completion of its projects with the construction of the Midlands State University Kwekwe Law School 79 percent complete.

“Construction of the Bindura University of Science Education and the National Biotechnology-Muzarabani Masawu Value Addition Plant is 68 percent complete, construction of the Lupane State University-Bingwa Wildlife Eco-Tourism Innovation and Industrial Park is at 88 percent of completion and the construction of the Great Zimbabwe University- Chivi Centre for Dryland Agriculture is 56 percent complete,” said Dr Muswere.

The minister noted that the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences Wildlife Fencing Project for the Agro-Innovation and Industrial Park is 60 percent complete and 100 people have been trained under the Integrated Skills Expansion Outreach Programme (ISEOP).