Government Has Shut Down The Kids Breakfast Kitchen In Epworth
The Government has shut down the Kids Breakfast Kitchen in Epworth. The initiators of the project were notified of the move through a letter that was delivered to them this Friday.
The kitchen had gotten worldwide support from Zimbabweans because it is feeding starving little kids whose parents can’t afford to feed them during the lockdown.
Zimbabwean journalist and filmmaker, Hopewell Chin’ono criticised the government over the move saying authorities should have just regularised the kitchen for the sake of the children. He added:
Government has a constitutional responsibility to feed hungry citizens, it has abdicated that responsibility through corruption and LOOTING.
Citizens have decided to help these starving kids.
Shouldn’t government be sensitive to the hunger issue of these kids and assist in regularising?Very Sad and disappointing that after causing the hunger, this government does everything possible to make the lives of citizens harder than they already are!!!
The statement read:
Following a discussion that we held with you concerning the feeding of children at your home, as a local authority, we appreciate your efforts and your intentions during these trying and difficult times for the community. We would like to thank you for the love and care that you have shown for the affected members of the community when the nation is currently under lockdown.
It has come to our concern that your operations are not registered with the Council in accordance with the Urban Council Act 29:15 and you do not have a council Iicence for the operations which you a conducting. Your actions are also in contravention of the Public Health Act. Chapter 15:17 of Zimbabwe. In addition- You are not, as required by law, registered as a Private Voluntary Organization (PVC)) with the Department of Social Welfare. It is also in contravention of Urban Planning By-Laws that such work is being conducted from a residential property which is not zoned for this use. An inspection which was done by Local Authority health department revealed that your premises are unsuitable and fell short of standards with respect to the requirements for council licensing of premises where such work must be conducted. Your food handlers did not undergo for medical examination as required by S. I. 41 OF 1944 (public health food handlers medical examination order).
It is our duty as a council to ensure that if anyone intends to engage in any such chatty activities, proper procedures are to be followed la all relevant authorities must be informed and seek authority in order to safeguard Public Health and Public Safety.
The Local Authority advises you that
• Food for public constunption must be cooked at a place inspected and authorized by the health inspectors and not a home.
• Food handlers must undergo medical examination done by a registered government medical doctor before handling any food for the public and in appropriate uniform.
• Your charity organization MCA be registered with social welfare.
• Your organization must also seek authority from D-A’s office.
• A sampk of the food which you are going CO provide must undergo analysis for suitability at Government Analysts
The Local Authority looks forward to work with your charity organization and recommends that you meet the required standards before providing services to the community.W. Mhanda
Town Secretary
Epworth Local Board
More: Hopwell Chin’ono
