Govt releases K4 million for the distribution of relief food

Makebi ZUlu

Government has released K4 million for the distribution of relief food to valley areas of Eastern Province which are facing a critical hunger situation.

Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu says the funds are intended to cushion the hunger situation in Mambwe, Lumezi, Nyimba and some parts of Petauke districts.

Mr. Zulu disclosed to ZANIS in Mambwe today that government has engaged the Adventist Relief Agency (ADRA) and COMACO in the distribution exercise which is scheduled to start immediately.

He however, noted that the province may require K20 million to procure and distribute adequate stocks of relief food for the whole region.

Mr. Zulu notes that this is based on an assessment that was carried out by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

He states that 4,000 by 50 kilogrammes bags of maize were initially released to Lumezi district which was severely hit by hunger.

The Provincial Minister notes that with the onset of the rain season, the hunger situation is expected to reduce by February as the crops will have ripened in crop fields.

Last week, some parts of Eastern Province reported a critical hunger situation where people were reported to be surviving on mangoes.