Staff Reporter
Government is set to distribute an additional 139,000 tonnes of grain to more than six million people in rural areas, as part of its expanded food aid program.
In addition to the rural food distribution, 1.7 million people in urban areas will benefit from cash disbursements, which are set to begin this week.
Speaking at a Post Cabinet media briefing, held on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere highlighted Government’s plans under the second phase of the food distribution initiative.
"The second phase of the Blitz Grain Distribution has now gained momentum as food insecure people continue to receive their three-month supply of grain.
"To date, a total of 31,889.85 metric tonnes (mt) of grain has been distributed, and schools have commenced collection of supplies for the Emergency School Feeding Programme. A total of 139,854.94mt of grain is expected to be distributed during the months of August to October 2024," said Minister Muswere.
Minister Muswere noted that for urban residents, the Urban-Cash-for-Cereal Programme is in progress, with beneficiary registration, data cleaning, and validation underway across all cities.
"Net One has been contracted to pay urban beneficiaries under the programme, and payments are expected to commence by the end of this week," added Minister Muswere.
Minister Muswere emphasized that the Government is also advancing efforts to enhance public sector efficiency.
"In February 2023, the Public Service Commission conducted a job evaluation exercise across 21 Government line ministries to establish the composition and value," Minister Muswere highlighted.
In international affairs, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Fredrick Shava provided an update on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent state visit to China, where 17 agreements were signed at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa undertook a successful State Visit to China from 28 August to 3 September 2024 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping. The visit was followed by FOCAC Summit from 4 to 6 September 2024,” he noted.
Meanwhile, cabinet also revealed that preparations are underway for the 2024 United Nations climate change conference set to take place in Azerbaijan in November.
With these initiatives, Government is working to ensure food security for vulnerable populations and to strengthen international ties through strategic partnerships.
