BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Chief Magama of Tsholotsho district has expressed grave concern over the alarming levels of hunger and the deplorable state of road networks in his area of jurisdiction.
“We are facing an unprecedented starvation crisis in our community, which poses a significant challenge,” he lamented.
“Despite the government’s efforts to provide assistance, it is woefully inadequate. There is an urgent need for increased aid, as even domesticated animals are struggling to survive.”
The region is grappling with a severe food insecurity crisis, with a staggering 520 524 people struggling to access basic nutrition, according to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
To combat this crisis, Ncube said the government has distributed 1 839.2 metric tonnes of grain, which represents a mere 16% of the required 11 711.8 metric tonnes needed to sustain the population for three months.
Chief Magama also highlighted the critical state of road networks in Tsholotsho, saying, “The roads are in a disastrous condition. It’s a critical situation, and there is an urgent need for the government to intervene and provide assistance.”
He noted that even during emergencies, it becomes extremely difficult for people to seek assistance, especially for women in labor.
“The roads are riddled with potholes, making them impassable. We appeal to the authorities to expedite the repair of these roads.”
The deplorable state of the roads has sparked widespread outrage across Matabeleland North province.
Poor state of the roads has forced public transport operators to suspend their services due to the damage it causes to their vehicles.
This has also led to starvation in villages as the department of social welfare is struggling to deliver maize to some areas due to the bad state of the road.
In Tsholotsho, transport operators now opt to use long, circuitous routes via Solusi Road.