British Embassy officially launch CAWEP

Faith Mandizha

THE British Embassy in Zimbabwe officially launched the UK-funded Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) in Harare yesterday.

CAWEP is the latest UK partnership with Zimbabwe on climate, and will work towards strengthening the ability of vulnerable communities to withstand climate shocks.

Deputy Development Director in the British Embassy, Martin Archsope, said CAWEP is one of the programmes supporting climate adaptation by developing climate-resilient water and renewable energy infrastructure in vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.

“Together with our UN partners, UNDP and UNICEF, we are pleased that the Government of Zimbabwe, through different ministries, has fully embraced this programme.

“CAWEP will work on continued access to water for productive use, including during droughts and floods, improved access to clean and affordable energy to support economic activities and ensure more sustainable livelihoods.

“It will also strengthen early warning systems, enabling timely access to and use of weather and climate information to anticipate and respond to climate shocks.

“While there is an obligation for developed countries, including the UK, to contribute towards climate adaptation in Zimbabwe, we are pleased that the Government of Zimbabwe is committed to mobilising financing by using the existing endowment of renewable energy resources, including solar and hydro, to attract private investment. “We commend the Government for taking this step,” he said.

Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development representative, Loyce Kadzunge, hailed the programme which complements Government efforts in addressing the effects of climate change in Zimbabwe.

“The Ministry is, therefore, available to partner with the UNDP in the implementation of this programme.

“It is our expectation that the support, which will come through from this programme being launched, will provide the development of climate resilient, multiple use of water and renewable energy infrastructure in vulnerable communities of Zimbabwe, in order to support their economic activities for sustainable livelihoods outcomes.

“Seventy-two percent of our women in Zimbabwe rely on rain fed agriculture and the droughts and floods being experienced due to climate change effects are affecting the yields and renewable energy is now a request at household level so as to cushion women from the use of firewood and move to renewable and clean energy.”