Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
SWITZERLAND has pledged to support Zimbabwe in mitigating the effects of the lower rainfall expected as a result of the current El Niño, with assistance set to continue in food security and healthcare projects.
Swiss Ambassador to Zimbabwe Christine Schranner Burgener pledged this yesterday when she paid a courtesy call on Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
Switzerland remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe through ongoing development programmes and humanitarian assistance, particularly in the event of an El Niño-induced drought.
“We have now two full years where we will complete those projects in food security and health issues and we will do our best to continue with them until the end of 2028 and then we also have money in the humanitarian field. That means if Zimbabwe needs support to fight the negative effects of El Niño, then Switzerland is ready to support your country,” Ambassador Burgener said.
Zimbabwe has already put in place measures to mitigate the potential impact of lower rainfall, including efforts to build a 600 000-tonne strategic grain reserve, rehabilitate irrigation schemes across the country and promote conservation farming through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.
Ambassador Burgener said her meeting with Advocate Mudenda had also explored ways of strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
“We had an interesting, fruitful and very exciting discussion. We talked about how we could strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the Governments of Switzerland and Zimbabwe; maybe create a friendship group.
“We also talked about common situations where we face common challenges like climate change and also the (global) geopolitical situation, so I assured the Honourable Speaker that Switzerland will continue with its good cooperation and share our experiences,” she said.
