Harare- THE World Food Programme (WFP) has donated nine (9) vehicles to the Public Service ministry.

The vehicles, which include five Toyota Prados and four Land Cruisers valued at US$229 905 are expected to effectively cover communities, delivering the much needed services to the people of Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the handover ceremony attended by the Public Service minister Edgar Moyo in Harare this Thursday, WFP country director Barbra Clemens said she hopped the vehicles will make a difference to those in need.

“It is my great honour to be here today for this important handover ceremony.

“On behalf of the World Food Programme, I am delighted to officially present nine vehicles (five Toyota Prados and four Land Cruisers) valued at USD229,905 to the ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

“This is more than just a set of keys; it is a symbol of our strong and enduring partnership with the government of Zimbabwe.

“These vehicles will help strengthen the ministry’s ability to reach communities across the country, to deliver essential social protection and assistance services, and to respond effectively to the needs of vulnerable households,” Clemens said.

Clemens said WFP had stood alongside the people and government of Zimbabwe, responding to urgent humanitarian needs while also contributing to long-term development.

“Today, that dual responsibility remains as pressing as ever. The demand for social protection, food assistance, and resilience-building continues to grow and central to delivering these services is reliable mobility ensuring that officials and teams can reach every corner of the country quickly, safely, and effectively.”

“These nine vehicles are therefore an investment in delivery capacity. They will support the ministry in monitoring programmes, reaching vulnerable communities, and ensuring that national social protection and food assistance systems are stronger, faster, and more responsive. In this way, becoming tools of service and impact,” added Clemens.

In addition to the vehicles, WFP also donated digital media equipment to aid the ministry’s communications work as documenting progress, sharing stories, and enhancing visibility were equally vital in strengthening accountability and mobilising support.

“Honourable minister (Moyo), allow me to thank you and your team for the wonderful collaboration we continue to enjoy. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of millions of Zimbabweans.

“We at WFP remain committed to saving and changing lives in Zimbabwe and look forward to seeing the impact these vehicles will have in helping deliver hope, dignity, and support to those who need it most.” Clemens told Moyo..

Moyo expressed gratitude for the vehicles donated to his ministry.

As he received the keys to one of the vehicles for a test drive, Moyo said, “It is with great pleasure that we gather here to receive yet another post from the World Food Programme in the form of vehicles.

“We remain grateful for the support that the World Food Programme continues to render in this commitment to the people of Zimbabwe in ensuring food security goals are met. Government continues to make a difference in the delivery of social protection services.”

He commended WFP for the provision of support to government and empowering its staff in the districts where it is present.

“It has been noted that in all the districts that you have provided support, the staff is more empowered in claim distribution, supply chain management and logistical arrangements.

“The ministry desires that you continue to spread this knowledge across the other districts we have not yet implemented. As we jointly implement the food deficit mitigation strategy, we insist on assistance.

Moyo said:

,“We noted gaps, and I am glad that we are here today to pluck one of those gaps through motorization of the department. You have helped me accept the main variables, which will go a long way to support our social protection programs and facilitate program implementation, enabling the ministry to meet its targets as we look forward to completing the implementation of NTS1 and getting NTS2 towards vision 2030.

He pledged commitment towards ensuring that thebdonation would be put to good use and serve its intended purposes.

“The ministry will ensure that these variables are put to good use and managed according to government policies and regulations. Priorities shall be given to the hard-to-reach areas, considering terrain in a bid to leave no one and no place behind. May I, on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe, take this opportunity to thank the World Food Programme for its continued support.”

WFPs mission focuses on a dual approach: providing immediate, life-saving emergency assistance while simultaneously building long-term resilience within vulnerable communities. This strategy is critical in a country where droughts and economic fluctuations frequently threaten the livelihoods of millions.

The organisation’s work is about addressing both the urgent needs of today and the root causes of hunger for tomorrow. The organisation also equips communities to withstand poverty shocks.

The WFP’s interventions are built on three core pillars. The first is Emergency Response, which involves the direct distribution of food and cash-based assistance to families facing acute hunger during periods of drought, crop failure, or other crises.

The second pillar focuses on Building Resilience. Through initiatives like climate-smart agriculture training, the WFP helps farmers adopt practices that conserve water and improve yields in the face of erratic weather. The program also supports income-generating activities and strengthens national social protection systems to help communities become more self-reliant.

Finally, the agency prioritizes Improving Nutrition, particularly for the most vulnerable groups. This includes providing specialized nutritious foods to prevent malnutrition in young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The WFP does not operate alone. All its programs are conducted in close collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe and local community structures, ensuring that efforts are coordinated and aligned with national priorities.