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We have enough food - Zim
01/07/2004 22:07 - (SA)
Kodzevu Sithole, Beeld
Harare - The Zimbabwean government will not be renewing its memorandum of understanding with the World Food Programme (WFP). The memorandum expired on Thursday.
The announcement was made despite warnings from international groups that Zimbabwe was facing a shortage of maize and that about 2.5 million people might starve this year.
Paul Mangwana, minister of public service, labour and welfare, said in parliament on Wednesday that Zimbabwe didn't need any further donations as the country had a food surplus.
"The government knocked on the United Nations' door when we experienced a food crisis. This year, we have surplus grain, which means we don't need support."
Harare 'too busy' to meet WFP chief
The decision follows a deteriorating relationship between Harare and the WFP.
The agency left the country earlier this year after the government insisted on controlling food distribution.
A visit by Tim Morris, WFP executive chief, was cancelled last week after the Zimbabwean government claimed a busy schedule would prevent it from receiving Morris.
The government maintains it expects a harvest of 2.8 million tons, while international aid organisations estimate the total to be just over 800 000 tons.
Mangwana also said a plan has been put in motion to distribute grain from surplus areas to areas hit by drought, and the donors would not be able to help in this regard, reported Blessings Mambara.
The state-controlled grain-marketing council (GMC) will contribute with regard to food distribution and transport. He denied allegations that food supply was being politicised.
"It's not the government's policy to use food as a political instrument."
- Beeld
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