By Staff Reporter
Parliamentarians have urged for a more equitable distribution of food aid in their constituencies, amid reports that some deserving households are being excluded.
Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a severe drought induced by the El Niño weather pattern, with over seven million people facing food shortages. The government has declared a national disaster and is distributing food aid to affected rural areas.
However, there are growing concerns about the fairness of the distribution process. Some families are reportedly receiving multiple bags of maize while others are left empty-handed.
Zvimba East MP Kudakwashe Decide expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in securing grain but raised concerns about the uneven distribution.
“While we appreciate the maize being distributed, it’s concerning that only a few are benefiting,” Decide said.
“Some families receive up to six bags while others get none. What measures are being taken to ensure everyone receives their fair share, as everyone is facing starvation?”
Echoing these sentiments, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Lynnette Karenyi-Kore highlighted the government’s own assessment that both rural and urban areas are experiencing food shortages.
“If one person receives six bags while others get nothing, it’s clear there’s a problem,” Kore stated. “Why not distribute a bag per household for the three-month period instead of giving excessive amounts to a few?”
There have also been allegations of political bias in the distribution of food aid, with opposition supporters reportedly being denied assistance.
