The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has distributed over 44,000 metric tonnes of relief maize to all the 84 districts that were affected by the drought.

DMMU National Coordinator, Gabriel Pollen says the distribution of relief maize is targeting 6.6 million people affected by the drought.

Dr Pollen was speaking when he received food hampers worth 25 thousand United States Dollars from the Turkish Government.

He added that the government is elated with the support from the Turkish government that has donated over six hundred (600) food packages that will be donated to people affected by the drought.

“Government is undertaking the largest humanitarian assistance of food relief distribution that has never been done in the country where we are targeting 6.6 million people to receive food assistance,’’ Dr Pollen said. 

Dr Pollen reiterated the government’s commitment in addressing the impact of drought.

He said that in building resilience, the government is also ensuring that it is prepared in an event a similar situation occurs. 

“Government is undertaking resilience related activities in the water sector, such as the rehabilitation of boreholes, rehabilitation and creation of dams and providing irrigation systems,’’ Dr Pollen said.

He noted that the President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated commitment by the international appeal subsequent to the declaration as well as ensuring that the budget is realigned in order to address immediate necessities that have been brought about by the drought.

And Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, Istem Circiroglu noted that the assistance is by her government through Turkish disaster and emergency management authority.

Ms Circiroglu said that the bilateral assistance has been in form of food relief and water boreholes among others.