Govt Unveils Comprehensive Drought Mitigation Plan
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere (right), Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi (second from left), Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka (second right), and Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona (left) chat at the 14th post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday. — Picture Innocent Makawa
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has put in place a cocktail of measures including availing food aid to both urban and rural areas to feed at least 7.7 million people in the wake of the devastating drought. The Government has also adequately resourced the winter cropping season, in light of the climate change-induced drought. Those in the urban areas will be given cash transfers for their mealie meal supplies, with the Government putting in place mechanisms to ensure there is no profiteering and the price remains at US$6,50 for 10kg of mealie meal. People in the rural areas will be given 22,5kg of maize per person for three months, with another installment coming in the fourth month so that they do not run out of supplies. On the winter cereals production front, power supplies, water, fertilizers and seed have all been guaranteed. In a major development, 11 000 tonnes of fertilizer started making their way from Zambia yesterday, with local producers also pledging to play their part. ReadMore