Small-scale millers start roller meal distribution

SMALL to Medium Millers Association of Zimbabwe ( SMMAZ) has started a roller meal distribution programme targeting vulnerable households affected by the Covid-19 national lockdown that was extended by another two weeks.

The initial 21-day national lockdown ended on Sunday and people have been struggling to access basic commodities, including roller meal.

SMMAZ interim chairman Davis Muhambi yesterday said they were targeting pensioners, child-headed families and other vulnerable groups across Zimbabwe.

“Our target is to mobilise 100 tonnes to complement Government efforts in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. “We have 31 tonnes so far and we donated five tonnes to the office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province last week.”

Government, through its social protection arms, is providing cash and foodstuffs to vulnerable families.

Mr Muhambi said SMMAZ was also pursuing a ward-based roller meal distribution programme to improve nationwide supply.

He said the programme was already operational in Bulawayo and would be rolled out to ther parts of the country soon.

“We have already identified retailers that we will work with, but at the same time emphasising on strict “know your customer” practices to avoid leakages as well as speculative behaviour,” Mr Muhambi said.

“The only reason the programme has not gone national is because our members in other regions are yet to receive adequate allocations of grain that could guarantee the programme roll out and we are working with the Ministry of Agriculture on the matter.”

Greater coordination was needed among players and Government to end roller meal supply challenges.

“SMMAZ believes in employing a more systematic, measured approach, which allows Government to take a leading role that will promote professionalism to achieve the best outcome for our citizens,” said Mr Muhambi

More small to medium sized millers were being roped in to participate in the Government roller meal subsidy programme, which was introduced late last year to cushion citizens from the increasing cost of maize-meal.

“As an association we are liaising with Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure more millers are compliant with the minimum requirements to participate in the subsidy programme,” said Mr Muhambi. “We believe this will go a long way in improving the supply of roller meal to citizens.”