THE World Food Program (WFP) in collaboration with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and local fuel dealers has secured adequate jet fuel for its ongoing operations in the Cyclone Idai hit areas.
By Michael Gwarisa
In a statement, WFP Zimbabwe said contrary to media reports, there was no shortage to talk about and everything was going smoothly according to plan.
“The WFP is aware of the news article alleging shortages of jet fuel in Zimbabwe that would impact negatively on relief efforts. The information in the article is outdated. WFP, working closely with the department of CPU and local fuel suppliers, has secured adequate fuel supplies for its current operations.
“In the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Idai, ensuring access to fuel relief operations was an urgent priority. WFP continues to liaise with government and other partners to ensure sufficient access to fuel to continue air operations to affected areas,” said WFP Zim.
The country is currently battling its worst disaster as a result of the Cyclone Idai which claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands homeless and injured. The WFP is providing humanitarian air services to some 20 partners, supporting delivery of urgently needed relief items including food, medicines and shelter in Chipinge and Chimanimani.
“Over the next three months, WFP plans to reach up to 270, 000 people with food and nutrition assiatance.
“The plan will include multiple phases from initital focused distribution of nutrition products, super cereal+, to the most vulnerable for three weeks to scaling up to a full food ration for broader population for three months, and it will also include a final early recovery phase.”
