UN happy with Idai efforts

Bulawayo Bureau
THE United Nations (UN) has expressed satisfaction with progress made so far in bringing life back to normal in areas affected by Cyclone Idai.

The UN resident co-ordinator’s office, in liaison with the Government, organised a field visit to Chimanimani on Tuesday and yesterday for ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe that include Australia, Germany, India, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, and representatives of Embassies of Ireland and Japan.

The objective of the field mission was to assess the work of UN agencies and humanitarian partners in support of the national response to Cyclone Idai and to observe first-hand the challenges faced by affected communities.

The UN delegation led by UN resident co-ordinator, Mr Bishow Parajuli included Dr Alex Gasasira, WHO representative Dr Esther Muia, UNFPA representative Mr Robert Tibagwa, UNHCR representative; Mr Georges Van Montfort, UNDP resident representative Mr Mario Lito Malanca, IOM Chief of Mission Dr Amina Mohamed, Deputy UNICEF representative Mr Niels Balze and deputy WFP representative Mr David Mfote.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Parajuli said during the visit, the delegation observed that despite the challenges, with the support provided, life has taken some form of normalcy in the affected areas.

“All students are in school while health and other public services are operational, communities are striving and road access has improved.

“Going forward, the delegation noted the need for continued assistance to the Cyclone Idai-affected communities by ensuring adequate and timely response to the humanitarian flash appeal to bridge the resource gap, to do more on prevention of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse as an integral part of the ongoing relief and recovery efforts to expedite recovery efforts,” said Mr Parajuli.

Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Simon Masanga, accompanied the delegation throughout the field visit.

The delegation was received and briefed by Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, Manicaland Provincial Administrator Mr Edgars Seenza, District Administrators and representatives of line ministries based in Mutare.