Story by Tamuka Charakupa
MHONDORO-MUBAIRA -THE Government has been commended for its continued commitment to inclusive development following the handover of food hampers, blankets, and essential supplies to elderly residents in Mhondoro-Mubaira on Wednesday.
The consignment, facilitated by Presidential Investment Advisor and philanthropist Dr Paul Tungwarara, reached hundreds of vulnerable citizens, providing much-needed support as winter approaches.
Held under the banner of leaving no one and no place behind, the handover marked a key milestone in the Government’s broader social protection agenda, particularly under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
For many elderly beneficiaries, the gesture was more than material support it brought dignity, comfort, and the reassurance that they are not forgotten.
“We are impressed with our leaders who always remember their people,” Mrs Grace Maitosi, one of the recipients said.
Mrs Rose Mashware, another beneficiary, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the immediate impact of the donation.
“This is a gesture we receive with open hearts. I am particularly grateful because I can now take good care of my disabled grandmother. Today, I am even preparing her favourite meal,” she said.
Mrs Miriam Banda added that the Government’s support is consistent and far-reaching.
“It is not only food we are receiving government programmes such as seed and agricultural inputs are reaching the grassroots,” she noted.
Traditional leaders from the area lauded the timely nature of the intervention.
“As traditional leaders, we are grateful that government programmes are reaching our communities,” Mr Victor Jarube, Village Head of Chimbiro said.
“We received seed and inputs before the rains, and now we are receiving blankets and food. This reflects a leadership that has the people at heart,” he said.
Mr Fibion Rushare, Village Head of Mukono, noted the benefits to local healthcare.
“We have received blankets for our clinics, which is a huge boost for our waiting mothers. The elderly have also benefited. This is significant given that many of them live alone and have limited access to basic services,” he said.
Speaking during the handover, Mhondoro-Mubaira legislator Honourable Chamu Chiwanza said the initiative is aligned with Government’s devolution agenda, which is accelerating grassroots transformation.
“Through the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, we are witnessing increased infrastructure development across communities. Classroom blocks, clinics and dip tanks are being built. To complement this, we are handing over at least 10 blankets to every clinic in the constituency and 100 blankets per ward for the elderly, in addition to food hampers,” he said.
Honourable Chiwanza, expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, through Dr Paul Tungwarara for spearheading the initiative.
The Government, under the Second Republic, continues to roll out various social safety nets aimed at cushioning communities from climate change induced hardships while advancing inclusive development in line with Vision 2030.
