admin
Zambia have started trickling in, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation and Development Minister Dr Joseph Made has said. The grain was imported under a government-to-government arrangement despite attempts by Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who is also MDC-T secretary general, to block the deal.
He wanted the maize to be imported by private buyers a development that would have put the grain beyond the reach of many needy families.
This, analysts said, was part of MDC-T’s plans to create conditions for protest votes, a throwback to election 2008.
Minister Made yesterday said priority would be given to worst affected parts of the country.
“Priority areas are Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Midlands, Masvingo and some parts of Manicaland.
“It is important that governors and chiefs work closely with the Grain Marketing Board to ensure the maize reaches as many families as possible.”
Minister Made said chiefs should ensure the maize is allocated to families in dire need.
“Everybody needs food but we have to prioritise the worst affected. There are some families without anything and these should be given to priority,” he said.
Related Stories…
Minister Made urged chiefs to monitor the situation on the ground since stocks are still low.
Zimbabwe imported the maize to ease shortages caused by last season’s poor rains.
Officially launching the Food and Nutrition Policy recently, President Mugabe said payment modalities for the grain would be discussed later.
He said his Zambian counterpart President Michael Sata made the pledge during a telephone conversation.
Online Reporter