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Sydney Mubaiwa Masvingo Correspondent

Government has increased the distribution of maize in Bikita district of Masvingo province to cushion communities against hunger.

The district’s coordinator Mr Benard Hadzirabwi said the concerted efforts were in line with President Mnangagwa’s declaration that no one should die of hunger.

Bikita district was hard hit by this season’s drought and the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai.

“We have now scaled up the distribution of maize to cover all the 32 wards,” said Mr Hadzirabwi.

“Each family is receiving a 50kg bag of maize on monthly basis at their nearest point of collection for free.”

“We are working with responsible Government departments such as Agritex and Department of Social Welfare in the distribution process.”

Mr Hadzirabwi said previously the programme was earmarked to support the vulnerable sector such as widows, the disabled, child-headed families and the elderly.

He said many villagers are faced with hunger hence the maize programme had come at an opportune time.

“The drought relief programme has been extended to cover each household in need. Other non- governmental organisations have chipped in and that is a welcome gesture,” he said.

“Villagers are now struggling to find water for domestic use and provide for their domestic animals after most of the rivers and boreholes are now dry.”

Mr Hadzirabwi hailed Government for the resumption of the school feeding programme in his district.

“The ongoing school feeding programme has also come in handy for our school children,” he said.

“We thank the Government for the initiative and we hope that the development will go a long way.”