Story by Jerold Sasa
The private sector is complementing government efforts to mitigate the effects of the El-Nino-induced drought, with a local non-governmental organisation delivering a consignment of food aid to the vulnerable in Marondera’s Igava area.
The foundation, founded by Switzerland-based Zimbabwean pharmacist Daphne Dube, handed over food items and clothes to the vulnerable at Igava Business Centre at the weekend.
“I saw it fit to come back home and assist less privileged members of our community especially during this period of drought which is ravaging our communities,” Dube told the ZBC News.
The National Aids Council, which is working with the organisation in Marondera, is mobilising resources to ensure communities are cushioned from drought.
Sebastian Manjengwa, the National AIDS Council Marondera District Coordinator, said they are working with all like-minded organisations to ensure communities do not die of hunger.
The beneficiaries appreciated the gesture.
“As a ward we are in need of food aid as most of our farmers did not harvest due to the drought,” said Councillor Gershem Chaisva.
A beneficiary, Jairos Haruziviishe said, “We are grateful for this gesture which is going to help us with food which we failed to get because of drought.”
“Some of us have no children so we welcome this gesture which will go a long way in improving our welfare,” noted another beneficiary, Jasmine Matsengarwodzi.
Government has since started distributing food aid to vulnerable communities under the Drought Mitigation Programme.
