adminRichard Muponde Gwanda Correspondent
THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has distributed 260 000 tonnes of maize in the past week in Gwanda District as the government steps up efforts to fight hunger.
The GMB has 361 000 tonnes of maize in its reserves for distribution to vulnerable households, but transport problems in some areas were hampering efforts to take the grain to the people.
Gwanda GMB manager, Mr Mpumelelo Ndlovu, in his report to the provincial drought mitigation committee meeting chaired by the acting provincial administrator, Mr Peter Moyo, said grain was in abundance at their depot.
“We dispatch the grain on request and activities of the Social Welfare Department.
“It’s not that grain is not there. We have adequate grain but the problem is on transport to carry the maize to the people. If we are helped in that regard no one will starve as we have enough reserves,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He said in the past week, the GMB distributed about 260 000 tonnes of maize.
The acting PA, Mr Moyo, implored the drought mitigation committee members to go to communities to get a true picture on the ground.
“Social Welfare officers should be engaged with the communities on the ground to have an in depth appreciation of the problems.
“It’s only after this that we can solve the problems,” said Mr Moyo.
He also applauded the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for assisting with transport to carry maize to distribution centres.
“We pray that they continue serving us. If they stop it will be a disadvantage as we don’t have any other means at the moment to move grain. They have busy schedules somewhere by they are goodwill ambassadors. We really appreciate that,” Mr Moyo said.
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