The ManicaPost
Stephen Ephraem Post Correspondent
COUNCILLOR for Ward 24 in Chipinge, Councillor Lydia Hlekisana, has called on Government and Non-Governmental Organisations to channel more food aid to alleviate food shortages that have hit Chipinge South.
The whole of Chipinge South lies in natural Region Five which is hot and not suitable for dry-land crop production. The El Nino phenomenon that hit the Southern Africa region has worsened the plight of Chipinge South villagers.
Ward 24 clusters Checheche, Mabhiza, Madhuku and Mwanyisa communal lands.
Cllr Hlekisana said most households lost cattle to drought so they had no alternative means of getting food.
Said Cllr Hlekisana: “Our Government is very supportive to the affected people. The Department of Social Welfare is helping 850 households who are receiving 50kg bag of maize per month.
This has helped to alleviate hunger in the area.”
She said more households were in need of food aid.
“We are appealing for more food aid, especially for the ones who qualify under the Department of Social Welfare programme. We will do better as a ward if the department doubles the number of its beneficiaries,” said the councillor.
In Chipinge South, four NGOs are complimenting Government’s efforts in the fight against hunger.
World Vision, Plan International and Red Cross are supporting with food or cash handouts, while International Rescue Committee is subsiding livestock feed.
