US says frustrated by abuse of food aid

US says frustrated by abuse of food aid – NewZimbabwe 03/03/2016

THE US ambassador to Zimbabwe Harry K .Thomas (Jr) says his office will be closely monitoring the distribution of food aid and act on “all” allegations raised by communities in the process.

There have been several cases of abuse of food aid meant for the vunerable communities by politicians and traditional leaders.

Last week, four Zanu PF officials in Mashonaland west were jailed after they were convicted for looting food donations which were meant for starving villagers.

Midlands provincial affairs minister, Jaison Machaya, this week said he was being overwhelmed by reports of community and traditional leaders who were looting food aid meant for the hungry.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of $10 million donation towards alleviating hunger in Harare Thursday ambassador Thomas (Jr) said the US was not pleased with reports of the abuse of food aid.

“We have been asked a lot lately ‘How do you ensure that your food aid goes to the people who need it most?” the US envoy said.

He said as part of their monitoring system, they have set up suggestion boxes and help desks at all food distribution points to enable people to report any grievances.

“People can also contact USAID or their local authorities directly and we will act on any and all allegations of misuse of food assistance,” he said.

The $10 million humanitarian assistance which the US donated to Zimbabwe through the World Food Programme (WFP) adds to $35 million the Obama administration has extended to Harare for drought relief since June 2015.