adminTanaka Mahanya
THE African Development Bank (AFDB) has donated two vehicles to the Zimbabwe Electricity and Distribution Company (ZETDC) as part of its US$24m post-cyclone Idai resilience emergency project.
The trucks will be used to repair power lines in the area and will help to ensure that victims of future natural disasters are not left behind.
The project has also supported infrastructure and water service improvements and sanitation rehabilitation in Chimanimani, and other areas, in the eastern part of the country.
AFDB acting country manager, Belinda Chesire, said the post cyclone Idai project has seen Chimanimani, and surrounding areas, being equipped with more resilient infrastructure and water services.
“This project was approved in 2019 and the bank’s contribution was a grant of US$24 million which was approved because of the emergency situation of the project.
“The project has gone in to support communities in Chimanimani and the eastern parts of Zimbabwe following the post Idai disaster and we have seen the rehabilitation of infrastructure and sanitation projects.
“We are happy to have supported this,” she said.
Local Government and Public Works acting permanent secretary, Kensani Ncube, said electricity in these areas was now guaranteed, thereby enhancing communication networks.
“It is our wish that the trucks and the previously donated items be stationed in Manicaland province which has become a pathway of all hydro meteorological disasters,” Ncube said.
Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe in March 2019, affecting around 270 000 people in the Eastern Highlands.
Hundreds of people died and others went missing.
Agriculture, schools and infrastructure were affected, and most people lost their homes.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter