Source: Mnangagwa speaks on El Niño -Newsday Zimbabwe
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his government has put in place measures to minimise the effects of the El Niño-induced drought.
Addressing the 121st central committee meeting yesterday at the Zanu PF headquarters, Mnangagwa, however, urged citizens to take advantage of the rains to boost food security at household level.
“Increased production and productivity, household by household, village by village, ward by ward right up to provincial level will go a long way in consolidating the economic gains we have realised so far,” he said.
“With regards to the predicted negative effects of El Niño on the current summer cropping season, I once again assure the nation that our Zanu PF government has put in place numerous strategies to make sure that the welfare of our people, especially the most vulnerable, is safeguarded.”
According to food monitoring agencies, millions of Zimbabweans, including those in cities, may need food aid because of the climate change-induced drought.
In Zimbabwe, there are fears that the food situation may be worsened by the harsh economic climate, where the majority are struggling to put food on the table because of the high cost of living.
“Our engagements within our Sadc region, the continent, and beyond, are translating into gains that will have far-reaching impacts in our quest to realise food security and sovereignty,” Mnangagwa added.
“Further, the strategic collaborations and partnerships are set to increase value-addition and beneficiation, accelerate industrialisation and modernisation as well as quicken infrastructure development and cross-border projects in line with regional and continental aspirations.”
Turning to the disputed August elections, Mnangagwa said his re-election was inevitable.
“Ultimately our hard, honest work and people-centred policies saw us romp to victory. The party mounted an unprecedented campaign anchored on the grassroots, guided by our philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.”
The opposition says Mnangagwa rigged elections, dismissing the results as a “gigantic fraud”.
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