Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE’s Ambassador to Mozambique Dr Victor Matemadanda has advised Zimbabweans wishing to cross into the neighbouring country to postpone their plans until the flooding and associated emergency responses ease.
Last week, Zimbabwe dispatched large consignments of humanitarian aid to Mozambique and Malawi, as the two regional countries battle devastating floods.
The assistance follows President Mnangagwa’s decision last Thursday to temporarily break his annual leave to personally lead high-level coordination of Zimbabwe’s domestic and sub-regional disaster response to rainfall-induced emergencies affecting the region.
In an interview, Dr Matemadanda said a number of Zimbabweans have been affected by the situation in the country.
“We are urging Zimbabweans to hold off on any business activities related to our neighbouring country until the situation stabilises. Although I don’t have specific numbers, it’s clear that many Zimbabweans have been caught up in the adverse conditions, particularly along the Chokwe-Chicualacuala Road, a route commonly used by Zimbabwean travellers. The vehicles I know of that travel to Zimbabwe were either in Maputo or Harare.
“The issue mainly affected those who had come to place orders in Mozambique, as they were unable to drive back home. I have heard that even the drivers had to fly back, and of course, not many can afford flights via South Africa to connect to Harare. So, it is clear that many people that had come are still in Mozambique,” he said.
