Makokoba needs 50 tonnes of relief maize

ZANU-PF Politburo member and former Makokoba legislator Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube has approached the Government to appeal for food assistance for Makokoba residents who have approached him seeking help.

This comes as more people in urban areas are facing food shortages due to the continued rise of prices of basic commodities and poverty due to economic challenges.

The Government has, however, started distributing food in some urban centres although the number of the needy is growing.

In a telephone interview on Friday, Rtd Col Dube said from his estimation about 50 tonnes of maize was needed to save the people in Makokoba, one of Bulawayo’s populous suburbs.

“As I have said before, I will continue to ensure that the people of Makokoba do not suffer and to win this I have already asked the responsible authorities to ensure residents receive food aid.

“We do hope the request will be looked into urgently.

Personally, I have been carrying on with the donations in the form of food and blankets. For the talented aspiring soccer players, balls and kits have been availed to them,” said Rtd Col Dube.

In 2016, when Rtd Col Dube was the Makokoba legislator, the constituency was the first to receive Government’s food aid in cities.

He, however, urged the residents of Makokoba not to only rely on handouts but to also work on the projects that can raise income for them.

“There are projects that I have tried to initiate in Makokoba like the rearing of chickens but the response from the residents is low.

“They do not take them up when these kinds of projects are availed and if they do so it is after you have pleaded with them to do that.

“I appeal to them to grab the opportunity with both hands,” he said.

Rtd Col Dube said youths in the area were also not doing enough to uplift their lives.

“If you look at the country’s revolutionaries and stars, whether in sports or music, a number of them are products of Makokoba.

“This has changed in recent times as the youngsters, all they think about now is alcohol and this is not good,” he said.