adminVusumuzi Makiweni in Rusape
CHIEF Makoni has appealed to Government to enable traditional leaders to play a leading role in the distribution of food aid to their subjects and ensure fairness.
In an interview at his court in Rusape last Friday, Chief Makoni highlighted on the need for traditional leaders, as custodians of the communal fabric, to play a leading role in food aid distribution.
“As chiefs, I think Government should engage us more on how best to distribute food aid in the communities that we lead. We have communal memory and sound traditional structures from the village head right up to the chief which make us better equipped to know who is in dire need and where. This goes a long way in ensuring that food reaches those who desperately need it.
“I appeal to Government to re-consider the current scenario where civil servants from the Department of Social Services play a leading role in the distribution of drought relief and we (traditional leaders) take the cue from them. I am not saying they should not be involved, but chiefs should be at the forefront of such initiatives. This will eliminate all suspicions of civil servants withholding aid from needy communities and engaging in shady deals to line their pockets,” said Chief Makoni.
He also called on Government to cut red tape on the procurement and distribution of drought relief, saying this will enable the timeous delivery of food assistance to vulnerable groups in society such as widows and orphans.
Online Reporter