Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
Under the second blitz of the food distribution programme, over 90 000 metric tonnes of cereal have been distributed to food-insecure people across the country’s provinces.
Briefing journalists after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the cereal distributed to date translated to 63 percent of the expected grain to be dispersed during the second phase.
Dr Muswere also highlighted that about 4 300 metric tonnes of cereal had been distributed to Chiefs across all provinces under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi Strategic Grain Reserve Distribution Programme while schools had received 17 200 metric tonnes of mealie meal and maize for the schools’ feeding schemes.
“The nation is informed that under the 2nd Blitz Food distribution, a cumulative total of 94 527.64 metric tonnes has been moved across the nation as at October 22 2024, out of the expected 139 854. 94 metric tonnes of cereal which translates to 62.7 percent coverage,” he said.
“The grain was distributed to vulnerable and food insecure people across the country’s provinces as follows: Manicaland, 17 443. 58 metric tonnes, Mashonaland Central, 10 276.49 metric tonnes, Mashonaland East,17 525.21 metric tonnes, Mashonaland West, 10 987. 69 metric tonnes; Masvingo, 12 380.14 metric tonnes, Matabeleland North, 8 605.99 metric tonnes, Matabeleland South, 6 460.64 metric tonnes; and Midlands, 10 847.90 metric tonnes.
“Furthermore, a total of 4 362.51 metric tonnes has been collected to date by Chiefs across all provinces under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi Strategic Grain Reserve Distribution Programme. Disbursement of funds to beneficiaries with correct details has since commenced under the Urban Cash for cereal Programme and a total of 28 726 beneficiaries have been reached with cash disbursements as at 28th October 2024.
“Under the School Feeding Programme a cumulative total of 17 250.80 metric tonnes mealie-meal/ maize grain had been collected as at 25th October, 2024.”
Online Reporter