GOVERNMENT, through the Department of Civil Protection, has
ordered the Manicaland Provincial Development Coordinator’s office to prepare a
detailed report following revelations that food items donated to Cyclone Idai
victims were rotting in warehouses in Chimanimani East.
The development follows a report yesterday highlighting how
the food donations had passed their consumption dates while locked up at
Charter Hall and Nyahode District Union warehouses.
The Department of Civil Protection falls under the Ministry
of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
“We are waiting for a fully detailed report from the
district and the administrator (Mr Edgars Seenza) will also give us more
information,” said Department of Civil Protection director, Mr Nathan Nkomo.
“We have decentralised structures up to the provincial and
district level. The provincial administrator must give us the inside story and
we are waiting for a detailed report from Manicaland.”
Our Manicaland Bureau is reliably informed that some
foodstuffs have either decayed or expired while locked up in the warehouses.
“Among the food items that have expired while in the
warehouses awaiting distribution are the following: 30 tonnes of mealie meal, 1
850kg of corn soya blend, 1 150kg of plain flour, 500 x6 packets sugar beans
and 1000kg of Maheu Instant,” a source said.
The 30 tonnes of mealie meal expired on September 7.The 1 150kg of plain flour expired on March 27, while the
Maheu Instant donations passed consumption date on August 18.
ManicaPost news crew visited the warehouses on
Tuesday but could not gain access as they were locked.
The keys to the warehouses are reportedly kept in the
Chimanimani District Development Coordinator’s office.
On Wednesday, Mr Seenza confirmed receiving reports
suggesting food donations were rotting in the warehouse but referred questions
the District Coordinator, Mr John Misi, who was not reachable for a comment.
Chimanimani East legislator, Cde Joshua Sacco, also
confirmed that perishables had rotted
while some foodstuffs had expired. Herald
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