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WFP Emergency Report No. 37 of 2005
Relief Web
September 09, 2005

http://www.reliefweb.int/library/documents/2005/wfp-emergency-09sep.pdf

Zimbabwe
(a) A decline in the food security situation was reported in most districts across Manicaland Province as food availability and access continue to be an issue. While Grain Marketing Board (GMB) distributions took place in Buhera District, the sharing of a 50- kilo bag between two families remains the norm. Although the official price of a 50-kilo bag of maize is listed at ZMD39,000 transport costs are inflating the price from ZMD60,000 to 90,000. (The UN rate of exchange for September is currently ZMD24,500:USD1) Non-beneficiaries continue to throng distribution points serving home based care, orphan and vulnerable children beneficiaries in anticipation of receiving leftovers as well as to plead for assistance.

(b) The price of maize continues to increase in most districts and is attributed to increased transportation costs. In rural areas, with the exception of Mashonaland Province, maize grain remains unavailable. In Bulawayo, basic commodities like bread, sugar and milk continue to be scarce on formal and parallel markets. Long queues for these commodities continue around shops in the city.

(c) While the water situation improved in the high-density suburb of Bulawayo, it remains critical in three other areas as residents continue to get water from friends and relatives in neighbouring suburbs.

(d) Regarding the urban dwellers affected by the government's "Operation Restore Order", discussions continue between the UN Country Team and the government in order to reach an agreement on an operational framework that would permit the provision of temporary shelter, food, water, sanitation and health care to those remaining in "the open". Meanwhile, assistance efforts continue with IOM, supported by WFP food aid, reaching nearly 80,000 people in August. WFP field monitors continue to review the conditions of those affected by the operation throughout the country.

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