Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
GOVERNMENT and the United Nations have signed a Joint Resource Mobilisation Plan aimed at strengthening support for the repatriation, reception and reintegration of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe, Dr Rosemary Kalapurakal.
The plan is expected to enhance resource mobilisation efforts by Government and the UN to support the growing number of Zimbabweans returning home following anti-migrant unrest in South Africa.
Since 28 May, Government has facilitated the repatriation of more than 33 000 Zimbabweans through Beitbridge Border Post, while a further 70 000 have returned independently through the same port of entry.
Speaking after touring the reception centre, Dr Kalapurakal commended Government for the coordinated manner in which it is managing the returnees.
“I am impressed with the process and the coordination by the Government of Zimbabwe. The reception centre is working well. Returnees are being received with dignity and given basic support.”
She said the United Nations remained committed to supporting Government efforts to ensure returnees have access to food, healthcare, transport and psychosocial services.
Minister Garwe said the joint plan provides a structured framework for mobilising resources and improving the response to the needs of returning Zimbabweans.
“This plan gives us a clear roadmap. It will help us mobilise resources for screening, documentation, medical checks and reintegration of our people.”
He commended United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and community groups for complementing Government efforts since the repatriation exercise began.
“Our people are coming back under difficult circumstances. We have a duty to receive them, support them and help them restart their lives.”
The Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre operates around the clock, providing returnees with reception services, screening, meals, medical examinations and transport assistance to their respective home areas.
Minister Garwe said the new plan also places emphasis on long-term reintegration by promoting skills development, access to grants and linking returnees to local economic opportunities to enable them to rebuild sustainable livelihoods.
He said Government would continue working closely with development partners to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Zimbabweans.
The signing of the Joint Resource Mobilisation Plan is expected to unlock additional financial and technical support from United Nations agencies and other development partners in the coming months.
