RUSHINGA — An estimated 1,4 million vulnerable people in the country’s drought-prone areas need urgent food assistance, a Cabinet minister has said.
Own Correspondent
Labour and Social Services minister Paurina Mpariwa made the remarks during the official handover of the Japenese government’s food donation to the World Food Programme (WFP) held at Katakura food distribution point in Rushinga’s Ward 8, Mashonaland Central, last week.
“The Japanese government extended $5,7 million towards the WFP programme. The money will be used to purchase maize, beans, peas and cooking oil being provided under this assistance to meet household food requirements for over 1,4 million people,” she said.
The ceremony witnessed the handover of food rations to over 200 households in Rushinga’s Ward 8 under the 2011/12 joint seasonal targeted assistance.
Speaking at the same occasion, Japan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Yonez Fukuda said his country had collaborated with WFP since 1958 to help drought-ravaged communities throughout the world.
WFP country director Felix Bamezon said some households across Zimbabwe were experiencing acute food shortages.
“Zimbabwe is experiencing the peak of the hunger season,” he said.
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“WFP and the government are currently providing food assistance to over 1,4 million vulnerable people in 37 rural districts through the distribution of cereals, cooking oil, pulses and cash transfer in some areas.
“The Japanese donation of $5,7 million will ensure families badly hit by last year’s drought receive assistance during this difficult time until the next harvest in April.”
