Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
There is need for development agencies and the Government to increase support to initiatives that strengthen the welfare of the elderly since most of them carry the larger social burden in rural communities.
This was said by Zanu-PF Beitbridge East legislator Cde Albert Nguluvhe while handing over food hampers to 40 senior citizens in Beitbridge town yesterday.
Among the beneficiaries were people living with disabilities, orphans and widows mostly from the town’s oldest suburb, Dulivhadzimu.
Cde Nguluvhe said he was also mobilising support to help others who fall in the same bracket and were residents in the rural wards.
The food hampers comprised flour, rice, cooking oil, petroleum jelly, jam, candles, matches, beans, and sweets.
“The Government is doing its best to take care of the senior citizens.
“However, there is a need to redouble our efforts in addressing the challenges faced by this particular group in our society. They play very critical roles in shaping our national ethos and absorbing some of our social problems,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
He said the elderly were helping society to take care of orphans and children in difficult circumstances.
Cde Nguluvhe said it was important for businesses and other players to complement the work which the Government is doing on the ground to mitigate the effects of the past drought and other social shocks.
It is estimated that close to 15 000 households are food insecure in Beitbridge district.
“Besides this annual charity programme, as a Government, we will also continue to mobilise food aid for the citizens to ensure that no one dies of hunger,” said Cde Nguluvhe. @tupeyo
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