By Erastone Gwangwazu, Citizen Journalist
Introduction
Mwaata Ward, the largest ward by population in Kalomo Central Constituency, comprises four zones. A recent survey revealed that most residents in the ward cannot afford three meals a day due to the ongoing hunger crisis caused by the drought during the 2023/2024 agricultural season.
Relief Food Distribution Overview
In June 2024, Kalomo District Commissioner Joshua Sikaduli assured residents that the government, through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), would provide relief food to mitigate hunger in the district. His commitment included distributing maize sourced from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and introducing a “Food for Work” program. The program set aside 20% of the food for the disabled, critically ill, and elderly residents.
Greenford Musazulwa, the Chairperson of the Mwaata Ward Disaster Management Unit, confirmed the distribution of relief food under this initiative. Key highlights include:
- Beneficiaries: 200 households received 200 x 50kg bags of maize through the “Food for Work” program.
- Community Projects: Various projects were completed as part of the program, including:
- Road maintenance in Mwaya and Bwacha compounds.
- Improvements to the Simakakata School garden.
- Cleaning surroundings at Magrimondi Community School.
However, Mr. Musazulwa acknowledged issues in the distribution process, noting that some individuals benefiting from Social Cash Transfers mistakenly participated in the “Food for Work” program. He emphasized that only non-civil servants and individuals not receiving Social Cash Transfers qualify for the initiative.
Fact Check
- Purchase of Maize: Residents with financial means can purchase a 50kg bag of maize from the FRA for K330, but purchases are limited to one bag per individual per month.
- Program Beneficiaries: The first phase of the “Food for Work” program benefited 200 households, with some receiving emergency funds by July 30, 2024.
- Ineligibility Rules: Individuals receiving Social Cash Transfers will not qualify for maize distribution in the second phase.
- Eligibility: Only non-civil servants and individuals not enrolled in the Social Cash Transfers program are eligible for the “Food for Work” program.
Impactful Community Contributions
One example of the program’s success is the work done at Magrimondi Community School, where the community actively participated in improving the environment, underscoring the initiative’s dual role in addressing food insecurity and promoting community development.