admin
Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Reporter
PEOPLE made homeless when Cyclone Idai hit Chimanimani are now being moved to their permanent homes following the construction by Government of 105 houses with another 119 still being built, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said recently.
Receiving an assortment of donated items from the African Development Bank that included two vehicles, ICT equipment, tents and tools worth US$211 583,37 under the Post Cyclone Idai and Kenneth Emergency Recovery and Resilience Programme he
“In June 2020, the Government commenced the Cyclone Idai Runyararo Housing project at West End farm in Chimanimani. The housing project provides permanent houses for 224 households and each family was allocated 6 000 square metre stands, adequate to cater for their livelihoods activities.
“To date, Government has disbursed a sum of $220 million towards construction of 224 houses. Thus far, 105 houses have been constructed and the exercise to move displaced communities to their permanent homes has commenced and should be completed before the onset of the rainfall season,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the Government was happy with the progress so far towards the implementation of the recovery programme, although urging the continued spirit of collaboration among Government departments and agencies in the implementation of the projects.
“We are grateful to our partners who have done a sterling job in mobilising resources required in spite of the challenges of the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic.
“My ministry will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that all the outstanding components of the projects come to fruition,” he said.
On accepting the donation on behalf of the Government, Minister Moyo said it will go a long way in capacitating the recipient ministries, departments and agencies in discharging their duties while Government will ensure that their donations being received are accounted for and put to good use.
AFDB ZimFund Manager Emmanuel Nzabanita applauded the Government for putting in well-structured policies and frameworks for disaster response, making it much easier for development partners to come in and complement its efforts.
“It is with great pleasure therefore to be here today on such an occasion where the African Development Bank Group is demonstrating its commitment to support the Government of Zimbabwe to spur sustainable economic development and social progress particularly in the area of post disaster recovery,” he said.
The Post Cyclone Idai and Kenneth Emergency Recovery and Resilience Programme (PCIREP), funded by AfDB is a 3 -year project with a grant of US$25 million.
Among the donated items there are two Nissan single-cab pick-up trucks valued at US$43 290 distributed to the Zesa’s distribution arm, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).
The tranche of support also consisted of ICT equipment for the Meteorological Services Department valued at US$32 493 and tools, computers and tents for the Provincial Civil Protection Committee (PCPC) worth US$136 485.
Minister Moyo was flanked by Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu and Energy and Power Development Deputy Minister Magna Mudyiwa among other top Government officials while receiving the donation.
Since May of this year, AfDB through PCIREP has provided US$500,000 worth of vehicles, tools and equipment to strengthen service delivery by the meteorological services department, the Manicaland Provincial Civil Protection Committee and the ZETDC by increasing their capacity to handle disaster preparedness and responses.
Online Reporter
dyton mupawaenda