MAKOKOBA legislator Tshinga Dube (Zanu PF) has pledged to distribute more than 30 000 tonnes of maize grain to the elderly, destitute and child-headed families, as part of efforts to curb food shortages in his constituency.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU
“We are doing everything to ensure that no-one starves. Actually, I am the first one in Bulawayo to give 30 000 tonnes of maize to people in Makokoba,” he said after donating textbooks to several schools in the area on Sunday.
“There are child-headed families, the elderly or destitute or less-privileged in the constituency, who need food assistance. We are trying to bring another 30 000 tonnes in August so that no one can say they didn’t get any assistance.”
Urban dwellers have been largely ignored in government and donor-funded food distribution programmes, targeting mostly villagers in rural areas following this year’s El-Nino-induced drought.
Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko has been distributing day-old chicks to Bulawayo residents of late. Government is currently importing maize to avert hunger-related deaths.
Hunger, while prevalent mostly in rural areas, has not spared the urbanites, who also are hard hit by joblessness among other socio-economic ills bedevilling Zimbabwe.
A recent report by the United Nations Childrens’ Emergency Fund (Unicef) showed that the number of Zimbabweans needing food aid now stands at four million, up from early statistics putting the figure at 2,8 million.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Early this year, government issued a national and international appeal for over $1,5 billion to cope with the drought.
Unicef said funding for food support has been slow, with the UN agency managing to raise $1 million against a target of $21,8 million.
