President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the Second Republic will ensure food security for Zimbabweans despite the impact of the El Nino-induced drought.
The president, while handing over more than 90 service vehicles to traditional leaders in Harare on Wednesday, said the leaders should play a leading role in the ongoing food distribution programme in rural communities.
President MEMM said the government would continue to improve the welfare of traditional leaders, adding that no one would be left out in the ongoing food distribution exercise.
“So far, five tons of food have been distributed in each district across the country, with chiefs handling the distribution of grain through the Zondi Ramambo programme. As you know, the nation is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent history due to the vagaries of climate change.
“However, my government has already taken measures to ensure that no one goes hungry. In this regard, the Zondi Ramambo/Isifala Senkosi programme has gained significant momentum as we battle the El Niño-induced drought which requires our traditional leaders to distribute food aid to the needy in rural communities.
“My government will remain steadfast in food distribution to ensure that no one goes hungry, and leaders play a pivotal role in food distribution through the Zondi Ramambo/Isifala Senkosi programme,” he said.
President MEMM said that strengthening the capacity of the chiefs through service vehicles is part of the government’s grand plan to preserve their dignity as custodians of the country’s territory and culture.
He added that this is also in line with the government’s policy of providing cars to presidents every five years. This policy is based on the understanding that the presidents’ positions directly and indirectly contribute to the realization of Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve a middle-income economy for our people. Moreover, these facilities ensure that presidents are able to perform their core duties more efficiently and effectively.
Government ministries and departments have been directed to provide services and other facilities that will improve the livelihoods and status of traditional leaders.
“My government will continue to pursue such interventions to improve the overall welfare and conditions of service of our esteemed leaders. The Second Republic has put in place a scheme that will enable all traditional leaders to access medical assistance through medical insurance as well as funeral assistance package for our departed leaders.
“My government will continue to improve the service conditions of traditional leaders so that they become truly respected and dignified leaders,” the president added.
The delivery of the service vehicles comes as part of an ongoing programme, following the distribution of 100 vehicles earlier this year.
The government continues to empower traditional leaders by establishing rural business units and drilling 35,000 boreholes across the country to provide clean water and irrigation projects.
