MBABANE: Government will begin distributing the E45million donated by Natie Kirsh Foundation today, Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini has revealed.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the cabinet offices on Monday morning, the Prime Minister said the distribution will be done over a period of two and half weeks and will benefit about 301 000 people across all four regions of the country to enable those affected by COVID-19 to buy food items of their choice.
"A total of 69 000 people from 11 000 households in the Shiselweni and Manzini regions will receive money to buy food this week. The rest of regions will be covered in the coming weeks. We also wish to strongly warn businesses against the practice of unlawful price hiking"said the Prime Minister .
Natie Kirsh Foundation's George Lys said Mr Kirsh as a concerned Swazi was very anxious to help and they have been made aware by government that PPEs, food and transportation were the critical needs .They have so far spent E 19 million on medical supplies and are currently working on sourcing ventilators.
"Today we are about food. We recognise the extraordinary burden put on the country as a result of the absolutely necessary partial lockdown put in place. It is an extra ordinary challenge to identify those who are truly needy and government has been very professional in doing this.Our doors remain open for more support and we commend all who have contributed and encourage others to do the same"he said.
Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini