Zimbabwe Government Unveils National Food Relief Plan Amidst Severe Drought
Minister of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare, July Moyo revealed the government’s comprehensive plan to tackle the severe food crisis in urban and rural areas of Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the launch of a resource centre in Bulawayo,
With the country facing a devastating drought, Minister Moyo assured the public that measures were being taken to ensure the availability of food supplies and the functioning of market forces.
In an exclusive interview, Minister Moyo stated, “We are guaranteed that the market forces will be working very properly because the government last year allowed importation of food by the private sector.”
Emphasising the significance of this decision, he explained that the private sector had already imported sufficient wheat, and in case of emergencies, the government’s strategic grain reserve was also adequately stocked.
To support the population affected by the drought, the government has introduced a cash-based relief system. Minister Moyo clarified that the cash aid, amounting to 13 US dollars, would be distributed in either Zimbabwean dollars (ZWLs) or US dollar equivalents (depending on the prevailing multi-currency situation). This innovative approach aims to empower individuals and allow them to choose and procure their desired food supplies.
The minister further revealed that the government had declared a national disaster, prompting the approval of a 2 billion US dollar humanitarian appeal for food. The United Nations (UN) system has also issued a corresponding humanitarian flush to address the multifaceted consequences of the drought.
Minister Moyo stressed that the food crisis had triggered a range of issues, including water scarcity, energy shortages, gender-based violence, and malnutrition among children.
To respond effectively to the crisis, extensive planning and coordination have been carried out. Minister Moyo explained, “Each one of our over 35,000 villages convened meetings to screen and identify families in need of food. With this data, we are now able to provide food to 6.1 million people in the rural areas.”
A meticulous mapping system has been developed to identify food distribution depots and allocate resources accordingly.
“We have mapped up all depots to see which depot has enough food for the district where they are, and which depot requires additional supplies,” Minister Moyo elaborated.
The success of this distribution plan relies on the mobilisation of the National Railways of Zimbabwe and public and private transporters.
The Minister highlighted the importance of the international community’s support in resolving the crisis. “The UN agencies, such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and World Health Organization, have contributed to the humanitarian appeal,” he explained.
This collaborative effort aims to ensure the welfare of the affected population, especially vulnerable groups such as children in primary and secondary schools.
In conclusion, Minister Moyo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the food crisis comprehensively. With the implementation of the national relief plan, market forces are set to function effectively, ensuring the availability of food supplies in both urban and rural areas. The government’s cash-based relief system, coupled with international support, promises to alleviate the suffering caused by the severe drought.
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