Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Victims and bereaved families of the August 11 Kariba ferry disaster have received more food assistance from President Mnangagwa, who handed over hampers to affected households through Premier Soccer League champions Scotland FC and its humanitarian wing, Scott Foundation, on Friday.
The handover took place at Nyamhunga Primary School in Kariba yesterday, as support continues for survivors and families affected by the tragedy, which claimed 97 lives.
Scotland FC players and management, including football legend Peter Ndlovu, attended the ceremony.
The team is in Kariba for its match against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
Beneficiaries thanked the President and Government for the continued assistance since the disaster.
Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat crew member, Mr Anymore Chambati, who survived the tragedy, but lost two family members, said the support had been important to affected households.
“Our President has remained committed to supporting us ever since the day of the disaster. We cannot thank him enough, as the situation became dire from the day of the accident,” he said.
Pastor Margaret Tose, another beneficiary, said assistance had also come from various organisations and individuals, including the President and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Scotland FC spokesperson, Mr George Munengwa, and the foundation’s social worker, Ms Joyce Muyengwa, said they would continue supporting the community through the Kariba Community Relief Initiative.
“We are here in support of the President, who sent us to deliver these food items. As a Foundation, we will do our part to support this community and complement President Mnangagwa,” said Ms Muyengwa.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, who presided over the handover, said the Vision 2030 development agenda must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities.
She called for stronger partnerships among Government, businesses, development partners, traditional leaders, churches, non-governmental organisations and local communities to address challenges facing residents.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial leadership also thanked the President and Scotland FC for assisting the affected families, pledging to contribute some proceeds from the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference towards supporting the victims.
The conference starts on Monday, running until Saturday.
