Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
GOVERNMENT has taken steps to extend its social safety nets to address food security and nutrition gaps among vulnerable groups through the distribution of foodstuffs to Kwekwe Prison and Kwekwe District Hospital.
The delivery of a range of foodstuffs and blankets to inmates and patients by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube is expected to enhance their nutrition.
This donation is particularly welcome, given the budgetary constraints faced by the two institutions due to the high number of inmates and patients.
The consignment is part of the proceeds from this year’s Independence Ball, which raised US$35 000 for vulnerable individuals in the Midlands Province.
Minister Ncube said the Government will continue to come up with programmes aimed at ensuring that people in disadvantaged communities get food sustenance through support mechanisms.
“The blankets will ensure warm nights for our inmates in line with the mantra of leaving no space and no one behind,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has become a pioneer in reforms and modernisation of our Prisons and Correctional Services.”
Kwekwe District Hospital acting superintendent, Dr Bruce Mhondiwa said the food donation was a welcome development for patients who need a balanced diet for speedy recovery.
“When you are attending to patients, the biggest wish is to see an improvement in that patient’s health wise. That is what gives us satisfaction as health practitioners. That can only happen when the patients have a balanced diet,” he said.
Kwekwe Prison Officer in Charge, Superintendent Elliot Maburutse, also said prisoners need a balanced diet to survive inside the prison walls.
“We are currently experiencing a cold spell, and these blankets are indeed essential in solving the problem, so we want to thank the Minister for the gesture,” he said.
Online Reporter