The National Assembly was abuzz on Wednesday as lawmakers questioned Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare deputy minister Mercy Dinha. The focus was on the politicization and theft of food aid, with Zanu PF activists and traditional leaders allegedly involved.
Zimbabwe is grappling with an El Niño-induced drought, leaving over five million people in urgent need of food aid. The government has been distributing food aid, but reports of theft and bias in distribution have surfaced.
Mashonaland West MP Mutsa Murombedzi asked Dinha about measures to ensure fair distribution. “Maize is being stolen. It was meant for relief, targeting the vulnerable. A cup of grain might mean life or death,” Murombedzi said. He urged the ministry to create a more secure distribution system.
Dinha assured that the government is committed to delivering food aid to the intended beneficiaries. “We have established drought relief committees from national to sub-national levels to monitor grain distribution,” she said. Traditional leaders are involved in the process of identifying beneficiaries and addressing grievances.
Dinha detailed the adoption of the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy manual, which guides the distribution process from beneficiary registration to food delivery. The government has trained supply chain management officials to ensure transparency and reduce pilferage.
Villagers are encouraged to report theft and politicization of food aid. “Food distribution is for the community. Anyone can be a whistleblower,” Dinha said. She emphasized the role of law enforcement, with police officers escorting grain trucks to distribution points.
No grain truck leaves the Grain Marketing Board depot without a police escort. At distribution points, grain is delivered and distributed on the same day, ensuring efficiency and security.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for $3 billion to mitigate the crisis. This shows the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
The questioning of Minister Dinha highlights the urgent need for transparent and secure food aid distribution. As Zimbabwe battles a severe drought, ensuring that aid reaches those in need is critical. The government’s measures, combined with community vigilance, aim to address these challenges effectively.
Source: Newsday
