GMB struggles to pay transporters

million for transport. Some transporters have threatened to withdraw their services if they are not paid.
GMB communications manager, Mrs Muriel Zemura said the transportation of grain to deficit areas across the country required US$2 million monthly.
“The programme urgently needs US$3,6 million to clear the accrued transporters debt and obligations for the next 30 days,” she said.
Up to March 31, the programme required a total of US$21 million.
“We are appealing to the Ministry of Finance to urgently make resources available to sustain this programme,” she said.
“We appeal to transporters to bear with GMB as it continues to source funding for this national programme. As Zimbabweans let us stand together as we fight hunger.”
This year, a third of the maize crop that was planted was declared a write off with many households facing hunger.
Government had to intervene and order the distribution of grain to deficit areas with households either buying for cash or benefiting under the grain loan scheme.
Those buying are paying US$16 per 50-kg bag and a family can only purchase one bag.
Those benefiting under the grain loan scheme are expected to pay through their grain deliveries after harvesting.
Mrs Zemura said anyone facing grain shortage could join the grain loan scheme except for A2 farmers.
She said despite the transport challenges, GMB had increased grain distribution to the deficit areas.
The parastatal has been concentrating more on Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces which are prone to food shortages.
So far, GMB has moved 43 652 685 tonnes to different provinces.
Mashonaland West had received 3 587 76t, Mashonaland Central, 9 593 94t, Mashonaland East, 3 674 528
Matabeleland North 2 204 49t, Matabeleland South 4 048 308t, Manicaland 8 643 852, Midlands 7 765 413t and Masvingo 4 134 394tonnes.
Beitbridge, Binga, Buhera, Chikombedzi, Chivi, Chiredzi, Esigodini, Gwanda, Inyati, Kwekwe, Maphisa, Mataga, Nkayi, Nyamandlovu and Plumtree are some areas where the uptake has been very high of the GMB depots that have received grain the loan scheme.