Harare- Secretary for Lands and Agriculture for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Nelson Chamisa has claimed that Zimbabwe’s food crisis exposes President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a statement, Rusty Markhan the MDC is concerned by lack of Government’s response to the hunger crisis currently crippling the country.
“Zimbabwe is facing one of the most serious food crisis in its history. The MDC is concerned at the lack of government response to the hunger that is befalling the nation as it continues to skirt around the problem, giving little information to the people and hoping that donor agencies and bilateral partners will fill the gap,” said Markhan
He said the removal of the 30% grain subsidy has complicated an already terrible.
“The party further notes that government’s recent removal of 30% grain subsidies has further complicated the already dire situation and has resultantly led to massive increases in the cost of basic commodities,” said Markhan “The party urges Mr. Mnangagwa’s administration to ensure that the 30% subsidy is reinstated to cushion the rural and urban poor who largely depend on maize and wheat products”
Acknowledging the hardships currently faced by millers and producers Markhan said they should not sacrifice peoples’ lives by profiteering.
“While the MDC is aware of the hardships being faced by both millers and grain producers, we believes that life is sacrosanct and therefore cannot sacrifice life at the expense of profiteering. Hunger and starvation knows no political party, race or creed. We therefore call for fair distribution of all social grants of food and agricultural inputs” he said
Meanwhile the Government has since restored the grain subsidy this was announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
“As you may be aware, His Excellency the President, Cde E.D Mnangagwa announced that subsidies on maize has been restored in order to cushion the vulnerable groups of our society from the negative impact of increases in basic food prices.
“In this regard, the new subsidy model will therefore target the production of roller meal resulting the retail price of ZWL$50 for a 10kg bag.” said Mthuli
