Govt distributes food relief in Buhera

GOVERNMENT has disbursed 90 tonnes of maize in Buhera West and will distribute more than 100 tonnes in Buhera Central as it moves to avert hunger in the drought-prone district.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba last week said Government was rolling out food aid programmes in Buhera district to ensure that everyone has sufficient food.

“Buhera West has already received 90 tonnes maize from the Government while Buhera Central will also receive more than 100 tonnes of maize soon to avert hunger,” she said.

“I have been receiving calls across the province for Government intervention on food aid and I advise people to remain calm. President Mnangagwa made pronouncements that: ‘No one is going to die with hunger because food is there.

“Members of Parliament in the areas which are affected should appeal for food aid immediately Government will provide the food immediately.”

She said the Grain Market Board (GMB) deports had enough grain to sustain people for more than a year.

Buhera is characterised by low and unpredictable rainfall patterns which result in farmers failing to realise yields that are adequate for household consumption.

“I urge farmers to engage in small grains such as sorghum and millet which are drought resistant since you have unfavourable rain patterns,” she said.

Buhera District Administrator Mr Freeman Mavhiza said Buhera central needed about 500 tonnes every month to be food secured.

“We need about 500 tonnes of food to be food secure. World Vision has distributing 50kg of maize, 750ml cooking oil and US$8 per month at household level but this is not enough we need additional supplies,” said Mr Mavhiza.