Over 4 000 households in Binga, Matabeleland North, are set to receive food assistance from Government, facilitated by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society with support from the Danish Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

This initiative targets the five hardest-hit wards affected by the drought: Siachilubu Ward 10, Sinamatele Ward 8, Manjolo Ward 7, Siansundu Ward 9, and Saba Ward 13.

On Wednesday 429 households, with an estimated population of 1 773, received mealie meal as part of Government's initiative in response to the drought. Beneficiaries of the programme included child-headed families, the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable communities.

Beneficiaries said the food assistance was vital for survival, adding that the prolonged drought has exacerbated issues such as child marriages, as families struggle with food insecurity.

Headman Chatyololo II of Manjolo Village said: "I greatly appreciate the role that Government, through the Red Cross and its partners, are doing to end hunger. We are seeing child marriages because of hunger and food shortages in our community. We hope food availability will reduce the early marriages here in my village."

Mr Windasi Muleya, a beneficiary who is wheelchair-bound due to a crocodile attack, underscored the importance of this aid.

"I cannot provide anything for my family as you can see. Both my legs and an arm were amputated. This support is critical, especially to people like me."

Luxon Mukune (56), who is visually impaired, shared his struggles: "Through these programmes, we are now sustaining our families. I cannot even wash myself. I need assistance. We are grateful for such initiatives which are uplifting our lives here. No one had a meaningful harvest here, so we appeal to the authorities to continue implementing such programmes here in Binga."