Government has allocated 374 metric tons of relief white maize to Rufunsa District in response to the recently launched food security drought response plan.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata disclosed this when she flagged off the distribution of an initial 60 metric tons of relief maize from the total allocation for the district.

Ms Mulyata said the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has allocated an initial 2,632 metric tons of relief white maize to all Districts under Lusaka Province.

She said government is committed to ensuring that relief food is provided to all affected communities and households.

Ms. Mulyata who is also Rufunsa Member of Parliament added that the allocation is the first phase of the relief distribution exercise.

“For Rufunsa, we are privileged to have received an initial 60 metric tons of relief maize from the total allocation to the district,” said Ms Mulyata.

The Provincial Minister added that government, working with cooperating partners and other stakeholders, will continue to deliver relief maize for subsequent distribution by project implementing partners.

“I urge our two project implementing partners who happen to be the Pastors Fellowship and St. Luke’s School of Nursing to ensure that this relief distribution is transparently done and devoid of any corruption, ” said Ms Mulyata.

And Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena has called on the implementing partners not to politicize the distribution of the relief maize.

Mr. Mabena said relief maize is meant for every Zambian and no politics should be allowed.

“I want to remind you the implementing partners and other stakeholders involved that this relief should not be politicized as it is meant for all Zambians,” said Mr Mabena.

He further said the distribution will be in two categories, 80 percent food for work while 20 percent is for the most vulnerable in communities.

Meanwhile, residents have commended the government for the timely move as the dry spell experienced in the district has affected food security at household level.

And a physically challenged mother Marble Saili is grateful to the government for bringing the relief maize as this will cushion the hunger situation at household level.