Moza, Malawi to get 2 000t grain
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has authorised the release of 2 000 tonnes of grain to flood-hit Mozambique and Malawi, while also allocating 90 tonnes to assist vulnerable communities facing food insecurity within Zimbabwe.
This comes barely weeks after Zimbabwe delivered grain, blankets, clothing, tents and medical supplies to disaster-affected communities in the region.
The latest consignment comprises 1 000 tonnes for each neighbouring country, following heavy rains that displaced thousands of families and disrupted livelihoods.
The domestic allocation targets households facing acute food shortages as part of Government’s social protection interventions.
During the inspection of the truck loading process at GMB Aspindale depot yesterday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the assistance reflects Zimbabwe’s obligation to protect vulnerable communities at home and beyond its borders.
“As you know, there was a disaster in Mozambique and Malawi as well, where a lot of people were affected. President Mnangagwa authorised that we dispatch and assist the people in Malawi and Mozambique with 1 000 tonnes of grain each to the two countries,” said Prof Jiri.
He said Zimbabwe remains food secure, with strategic reserves standing at 187 204 tonnes, including 39 000 tonnes of maize, 118 000 tonnes of wheat and other grains.
“So we are sitting on those stocks and dispatching 2 000 tonnes to the two countries,” he said.
Civil Protection Department chief director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said Zimbabwe’s disaster management systems remain on high alert during the peak of the rainy season.
“All our structures at this level remain activated until the end of April,” he said, noting the importance of supporting neighbouring countries.
“You remember very well when Cyclone Idai visited Zimbabwe, the South African government also assisted us. So we must assist our neighbours, and I am happy the President gave the nod for us to send materials donated by our private sector stakeholders,” he said.
The grain dispatch is backed by strengthened logistical and storage capacity at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
GMB chief executive, Dr Edson Badarai, said the parastatal is ready to handle increased grain intake, with new silos and collection infrastructure in place.
“We have two silos commissioned and handed over by President Mnangagwa, at Mvurwi and Mhangura, plus timber mills at Macheke and Plumtree to be completed soon. Each silo has a capacity of 56 000 tonnes,” said Dr Badarai.
He said 22 new trucks and 1 804 collection points have been established to support farmers, reduce costs and limit post-harvest losses.
The coordinated regional aid and domestic support programme highlights Government’s dual focus on humanitarian assistance and national preparedness, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s role as a reliable regional partner while safeguarding food security at home.
President Mnangagwa’s intervention comes as climate-related shocks continue to affect the region, emphasising the importance of solidarity, preparedness and sustained investment in agricultural resilience.
_Herald_
