GRAIN millers will on Tuesday introduce a zonal maize meal
distribution system, which will see the product being delivered to all
residential shops at selected urban areas as part of efforts to ensure the
public conforms with the country’s National Lockdown policy.
The zonal maize meal distribution system is aimed at
curbing rampant movement of people in search of the basic commodity as well as
improving social distancing while queuing for the product at shops as part of
efforts to restrict the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
In a statement, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe
(GMAZ) chairman, Mr Tafadzwa Musarara, said the organisation has partnered with
the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to introduce a zonal maize meal distribution
system in cities and towns where the demand is high as a way of improving
suppliers and reducing decongestion.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has agreed to members of
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe nationwide supplying maize meal using a
zonal system in the main seven hotspots namely Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo,
Marondera, Kwekwe, Gweru and Chitungwiza. This arrangement will provide for
more shops to receive and sell maize meal so that consumers buy the product in
their respective areas of residence. The police will provide the necessary
passage and will deploy details to oversee the delivery and selling of the
maize meal,” read the statement.
Mr Musarara said the arrangement would be carried out
during the course of the national lockdown.
“This exercise, which will run during the currency of the
lockdown is vital in ensuring social distancing during queuing and will allow
more households to buy the product at their nearest retail shop. The zonal
based maize meal distribution will commence on Tuesday,” he said.
In a separate statement ZRP Chief Staff Officer
(Operations) Commissioner Isaac Tayengwa confirmed the arrangement.
“Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe has agreed with
Zimbabwe Republic Police to have mealie-meal delivered to consumers according to
a zoning system. The system will allow the consumers to access the commodity
from supermarkets and retail shops in areas where they stay,” he said.
Comm Tayengwa said police and other security agencies would
assist in ensuring the success of the exercise.
“All members of ZRP and other security agencies deployed on
National Lockdown Operation have been directed to facilitate passage of
employees and transporters involved in making mealie-meal available to the
people closer to where they stay,” he said.
Comm Tayengwa further emphasised that the programme would
play a huge part in mitigating the fight against Covid-19.
“This arrangement will minimise movement of people to and
from cities and towns and reduce congestion as the commodity is available at various
points,” he said. Sunday News
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