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MDC calls for non-partisan distribution of grain
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
April 25, 2012

The MDC applauds the decision made by the Cabinet on Tuesday instructing the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to immediately start moving grain to deficit areas in the country.

The grain loan scheme directive comes at an opportune time when most parts of the country are facing severe food shortages due to drought.

However, as a party, we demand that the grain be distributed to every needy citizen with impartiality.

Already, there are reports in most parts of the country that some officials at the State-run GMB and traditional chiefs are working with Zanu PF members in denying deserving people grain, as they are not supporters of the former ruling party.

We demand an immediate stop to this. There should be no opaqueness and exclusion in the allocation and distribution of the grain loan.

The inclusive government should give the mandate of distributing grain to councillors at the ward level since they have the mandate to represent the people at a local level.

The MDC further demands that GMB officials be professional when handling the grain loan distribution amid reports that Cabinet was forced to call for full investigation on how agricultural inputs were distributed at GMB depots in the 2011/12 farming season after reports of massive looting by Zanu PF politicians at the expense of villagers who were the targeted beneficiaries of the scheme. Those found guilty of abusing the facility should face the wrath of the law.

In addition, Zanu PF has over the years manipulated the operations of GMB for political gain and has gambled with people's lives.

Every Zimbabwean has a right to food and it is the mandate of the government to ensure this right is met and people must demand it.

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