adminMudzi as part of the US$3 million rural water, sanitation and hygiene program.
The program, which is being co-ordinated by the International Red Cross Society, focuses on the vulnerable communities in the rural countryside. The programme seeks to address household food security while improving the people’s lives in the rural areas.
The construction began last year and it has so far covered five provinces – Matabeleland, Midlands, Masvingo, Mashonaland West and East.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mr Morita said: “The implementation of this water, sanitation and hygiene project comes in the wake of the unprecedented 2008 to 2009 cholera epidemic which recorded over 100 000 cases and claimed the lives of more than 4 000 people.” Zimbabwe and Japan’s relations have seen the two countries exchange programmes in culture, education and economy.
“We are confident that the intervention by our cooperating partners will ensure that Mudzi district and other such communities that have received this aid will never again experience such a disaster,” he said. The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society secretary general Mrs Emma Kundishora said the society has supported Government efforts in alleviating poverty among rural Zimbabweans.
“Enacted through an Act by Parliament, the national society is an auxiliary to Government’s efforts and champions a holistic approach in its programme activities.”
The water sanitation and hygiene project is a joint effort encompassing local stake holders which are the local community and Government arms such as Health and Child Welfare ministry. The programme also involves the District Development Fund especially borehole rehabilitation and institutional construction of latrine toilets in local schools and clinics.
Online Reporter