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Precious Manomano, Herald Reporter
TREASURY has released ZiG154 million to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare for disbursements towards vulnerable persons in urban areas.
The money will be available for withdrawal in two weeks.
Presently, Government is finalising the registration of vulnerable urban dwellers, who have not been spared by the devastating effects of the El Nino-induced drought.
Apart from availing cash to vulnerable families, Government has also kickstarted the food-for-work programme countrywide — and local authorities will be engaged to identify works that need to be carried out at a community level.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Simon Masanga, said yesterday all is in place for the cash disbursements.
“We are left with finalising the registration process. We have received a budget enough for 1,7 million people, who will get the cash transfers. The beneficiaries (able bodied) of the food aid programme should participate in the public works programme. We are working with local authorities to identify projects that need to be worked on. Very soon beneficiaries will be doing public works projects,” he said.
Mr Masanga said the elderly and child-headed families are exempt from the public works programme, adding that they will instead receive money or grain for free.
In a recent interview, Public Service Minister July Moyo indicated that there was enough food on the ground and people should not panic, adding that the private sector is also importing cereals.
Zimbabweans have welcomed the programme, saying it will go a long way in mitigating the effects of drought.
Mrs Maggy Makumbe of Epworth said the initiative demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring that its citizens do not die of hunger.
“We are grateful that the vulnerable population will get assistance in the form of cash to buy mealie meal. This will curb hunger in urban areas. This move will also reduce theft and robbery cases,” she said.
Mr Takudzwa Munetsi of Kuwadzana 5 suburb in Harare said although not everyone will benefit from the programme, it will go a long way in cushioning the public.
“We appreciate all these efforts from the Government to ensure that no one will starve. Prostitution and robbery cases will be minimised. The majority of people are committing crime because of poverty,” he said.
Ms Tracy Mangwiro of Chitungwiza said Government should ensure that deserving people get the food aid.
“It’s good to get help from Government. Beneficiaries will be able to buy mealie meal. We do not want cases where beneficiaries will abuse the funds buying illicit substances.”
Statistics indicate that about one million people who are food insecure in Manicaland need 8 154,86 tonnes of grain per month.
In Mashonaland Central 626 734 people who are food insecure need 4 700,51 tonnes of grain per month, while in Mashonaland East, 925 208 people who need food assistance require 6 939,06 tonnes of grain per month.
About 803 370 people who need food assistance in Mashonaland West require 6 025,27 tonnes per month.
In Matabeleland North 520 524 food insecure people require 3 903,93 tonnes per month, while in Matabeleland South 322 334 food insecure people require 2 417,51 tonnes.
The Midlands requires 7 136 00 tonnes of grain to feed 905 969 people per month, while Masvingo requires 7 136 00 tonnes to feed 951 466 food insecure people per month.
Online Reporter