Hands off gvt roller meal, politicians warned

Mutare (Pungwe News-New Ziana) – Minister of State for Manicaland province, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, has warned politicians in the eastern border city not to interfere with the government initiated subsidized mealie meal programme.

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) with support from government is selling subsidized mealie meal across the country.

The programme is meant to cushion the underprivileged members of the society against skyrocketing prices of basic goods.

Gwaradzimba told the media after meeting with retailers and representatives of GMAZ that the programme is apolitical.

“This is a government project which is going to be superintended by government officials.

“This is not a political game where politicians would want to ride on and get popularity from masses. I don’t want interference from whosoever belonging to any political party,” said Gwaradzimba.

The minister said GMAZ availed 800 metric tonnes for the city.

She said they have identified distributors who will deliver the mealie meal to underprivileged communities across the city.

“The mealie meal is earmarked for the marginalised and disadvantaged communities. As you know our economy has not been in good shape for a while while most industries have closed. Most people are not employed and during the lockdown businesses are closed and informal traders do have money,” she said.

The minister said she was grateful for the government intervention, adding that due to droughts which have hit most parts of the province, the programme should be extended to rural areas.

“All people in the province should have access to subsidised mealie meal,” said Gwaradzimba.

She said that other basic commodities such as sugar, salt and cooking oil should be included in the programme.

Under the programme, mealie meal has been sold in Bulawayo and Harare, and this is expected to cover Norton, Chegutu, Kwekwe, Gweru, Hwange and Victoria Falls in the next few weeks.

Under the subsidised mealie meal programme, a 10kg bag is sold for $70 while a similar unsubsidised pack costs no less than $200.
New Ziana