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Blessings ChidakwaMunicipal Reporter
Vehicles worth more than US$810 000 including eight crane trucks and two Nissan NP300 pick-ups were yesterday donated to the Government by the African Development Bank under the Post Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project, ensuring that Zesa can now react swiftly to all emergencies in Manicaland.
The consignment was handed over by AFDB country manager Ms Moono Mupotola to Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo flanked by his deputy Marian Chombo and Zesa Holdings executive-chairman Dr Sydney Gata.
“As I accept this donation on behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our partners AfDB, and UNOPS for this gesture and urge other agencies and development partners to emulate the dedication and commitment to contribute to the attainment of our national development goals.
“The donation of eight crane trucks and two Nissan NP300 pick-up trucks to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Manicaland Province comes barely two months after we received another donation of vehicles, ICT equipment, tents and tools from the bank,” said Minister Moyo.
Dr Gata said even though the circumstances in which the donation was being made were tragic, it was a moment to celebrate the spirit through which the Government, bank and other institutions were displaying.
“The damage is extensive, but some US$5,3 million worth of aid has been delivered to just two out of our 72 deports across the country. That is a huge injection and that has set a new standard in Chipinge and Chimanimani in terms of electricity services, customer awareness, customer support and response to calls.
“We are now more than normally equipped to deal expeditiously with customer requirements in relation to our services. I thank our Government so much for coordinating this support,” he said.
AFDB country manager Ms Moono Mupotola said it was their hope that the provision of these vehicles will complement the efforts of the Government through Zesa’s distribution arm to bring convenience to the people of Zimbabwe through the provision of adequate, safe, reliable electricity and related services.
“As the Meteorological Services Department predicts above normal rains this season, ZETDC can prepare the area around power supply equipment ahead of time.
“Should disaster strikes, I am sure they concur with me when I say, they are now adequately equipped to promptly respond and restore electricity supply when required,” she said.
Online Reporter