Over 1 million people getting food assistance in Masvingo

George Maponga

Masvingo Bureau

More than 1 million people are receiving food aid from the Government and development partners in Masvingo Province as the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa fulfills its pledge that no one will die of hunger despite last season’s crippling drought.

Government is moving grain from GMB depots to areas worst affected by food shortages such as Chivi, Mwenezi and Chiredzi, where most farmers failed to salvage anything because of extreme aridity in those districts.

Livestock feed was also being moved to these districts by the Government amid reports that cattle are on the verge of succumbing to drought.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has noted that more than 1 million people are getting food aid in the province.

“Government is giving food aid to 900 000 people across Masvingo Province while development partners, especially the World Food Programme are taking care of around 200 000 people and we are happy that food is being moved to all areas where we have received distress calls,” he said.

“We are intensifying food distribution from GMB depots to all corners of the province and we have not received adverse reports about people who need food failing to get it. We will continue to closely work with our partners to make sure food gets to all areas where it is needed until the next harvest because our President has given assurance that no one is going to die of hunger,” said Minister Chadzamira.

The Minister warned against favouritism in the distribution of food relief.

“Let me make it clear to all those who distribute food aid, including our traditional leaders that there must be transparency in food aid distribution. No one should be denied food aid because the food comes from the President and must be given to everyone free of charge,” he said.

Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Masvingo Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the Government had also made available 100 tonnes of livestock feed.

“In terms of food aid distribution, everything is moving flawlessly save for some logistical challenges here and there, but everything is moving on quite well with food being moved from depots with surplus to those with deficits such as Chivi and Mwenezi,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.

“We have recorded cattle deaths in some areas because of drought, but we are also relieved that the Government has given the province some livestock feed for distribution in the hardest hit areas like Chivi and Mwenezi,” he said.

The private sector has joined the fight to save the province’s livestock with Lowveld sugar producer Tongaat Huletts Zimbabwe donating molasses for livestock feed to districts across Masvingo.

Masvingo is predominantly a low rainfall region with the Government and its partners promoting production of traditional grains that are drought tolerant.

The province is also home to 54 percent of Zimbabwe’s dammed water, raising potential for irrigation development and positions Masvingo as the country’s hub for irrigated cereals production.