[Zimbabwe] 'Ministry Committed to Poverty Eradication'

from All Africa

The Herald (Harare)

Harare

GOVERNMENT is committed to the eradication of poverty and will continue availing money for developmental projects in rural areas, a Cabinet minister has said.

Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said this yesterday when he announced the new Zimbabwe Freedom from Hunger Campaign board.

The board, chaired by former Health Minister Dr Timothy Stamps, is made up of 10 members.

"Government, through my ministry, will strive to contribute to the organisation. We will make sure that we allocate you something on our budget for your developmental projects, especially in rural and resettlement areas," Dr Parirenyatwa said.

He added that the board should continue pursuing projects such as construction of bridges, clinics and schools and borehole drilling in rural and resettlement areas.

"We have to upgrade our communities and the board has to look at developmental projects as a priority," he said.

Dr Parirenyatwa also said he was pleased with the work the organisation has done since its inception in 1963 and challenged the new board to deliver.

The full board has: Dr Timothy Stamps (chair), Ms Tawanda Ndlovu, Mr Pattison Muza, Mrs Mutsa Chasi, Mr Gerald Mubvuami, Mr Cephas Zinhumwe, Mrs Julia Tarwireyi, Mr Herbert Dengu, Mrs Ruth Dhliwayo, and Mr Isah Nyagumbo.

Freedom from Hunger Campaign was launched by the United Nations to encourage developing countries to tackle their development problems by the eradication of the root causes of poverty, malnutrition and hunger.

The organisation has been involved in developmental projects such as building clinics, supplementary feeding schemes, projects to stimulate food production, small livestock breeding, borehole drilling and construction of Blair toilets.

It has also supported other projects throughout the country including nutritional gardens, poultry, school fencing, furniture, cattle fattening, agricultural inputs, dam construction and water harvesting among others. The organisation was also involved in the distribution of relief assistance and food aid during the liberation struggle.