Story by Providence Maraneli
THE Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda is gaining traction, with communities in Malalume, Bulilima District, benefiting from a food deficit mitigation programme implemented by the Government and its international partners.
The initiative, aligned with National Development Strategy 2, seeks to provide safety nets to vulnerable households while advancing equitable development under the devolution framework.
Government, in partnership with the World Food Programme and the Russian Federation, distributed humanitarian assistance valued at over US$1 million.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely intervention.
“We are now convinced that the government does not leave anyone and any place behind. We have seen government intervening at a crucial time, we do not lack anything and development is coming,” a beneficiary, Jabulani Ncube said.
“This is going to help because the rains destroyed our fields. We are grateful that we have been given food for the next two months. This will ensure that the community is nourished,” another beneficiary said.
The food aid package, comprising grain, pulses and cooking oil, is part of broader efforts to enhance food security in vulnerable regions.
WFP Head of External Relations Ifeoma Garba reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Government programmes.
“As WFP, we continue to support government’s endeavour to ensure that communities are food secure,” she said.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Tawanda Zimhunga, said Government remains focused on ensuring efficient distribution of aid.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has been working tirelessly to ensure that food assistance reaches all vulnerable households in a timely and efficient manner. This partnership is greatly appreciated,” he said.
Deputy Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Zimbabwe, Mr Sergey Kuzin, said the programme will contribute to long-term development goals.
“I am sure the fruits of our joint efforts are quite tangible to be utilised soon by underprivileged households. Our assistance will help Zimbabwe in its sustainable socio-economic development in pursuit of Vision 2030,” he said.
Under NDS2, Government continues to prioritise timely and equitable distribution of drought relief and social protection programmes to vulnerable communities across the country.
