Government receives nine vehicles from WFP

Theseus Shambare

THE Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has received nine vehicles worth US$230 000 from the World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen the delivery of social protection and food assistance services across Zimbabwe.

The donation, comprising five Toyota Prados and four Land Cruisers, was handed over this afternoon in Harare.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the vehicles would help the ministry reach vulnerable communities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“It is with great pleasure that we gather here to receive yet another boost from the World Food Programme in the form of vehicles,” Minister Moyo said.

“We gladly accept the nine vehicles which will go a long way to support our social protection programmes and facilitate programme implementation as we move towards Vision 2030.”

He commended WFP’s continued support, which has included technical assistance in grain distribution, supply chain management and logistics.

“Priority shall be given to the hard-to-reach areas considering terrain, in a bid to leave no one and no place behind,” Minister Moyo said.

WFP Zimbabwe Country Director Barbara Clemens said the handover was part of the agency’s long-standing partnership with the Government.

“On behalf of the World Food Programme, I am delighted to officially present nine vehicles valued at approximately US$230 000,” Ms Clemens said.

“This is more than just a set of keys. It is a symbol of our strong and enduring partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe.”

She said reliable transport was crucial for the effective delivery of assistance.

“These vehicles will help strengthen the Ministry’s ability to reach communities, deliver essential social protection services, and respond effectively to the needs of vulnerable households,” Ms Clemens said.

In addition to the vehicles, WFP also donated digital media equipment to boost the ministry’s communication and accountability work.

“For more than 20 years, WFP has stood alongside the people and Government of Zimbabwe, responding to urgent humanitarian needs while also contributing to long-term development,” Ms Clemens added.

“Together, we are making a difference in the lives of millions of Zimbabweans.”