Online Reporter
Nokuthula Dube
The Zimbabwean Government has lauded the People’s Republic of China for its consistent support during times of crisis and is now seeking to deepen cooperation through the adoption of advanced Chinese technology to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness and response systems.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with China’s Minister of Emergency Management, Mr Wang Xiangxi, in Sanya, Hunan Province in China on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said Zimbabwe remains grateful for China’s humanitarian assistance over the years, particularly during major disasters such as cyclones, droughts and the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Even during the horrendous event of Cyclone Idai in 2019, your country helped a lot,” said Minister Garwe.
“Your major rescue came in 2020 when we were also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic where you provided medicines.
“Even during the recent El-Nino induced drought, our country benefited a lot from thousands of tonnes of rice donated by your country.”
Minister Garwe is leading Zimbabwe’s delegation to the 2025 Belt and Road Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management, which runs until Friday under the theme “A Shared Future: Building a Fast and Efficient Emergency Response Mechanism.”
He said Zimbabwe was eager to tap into China’s expertise and technology to modernise its disaster management systems, particularly through digital innovation and infrastructure support.
He added that Zimbabwe’s National Emergency Operations Centre — which integrates with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian Centre — requires further investment in equipment, including computers, communication tools and data management systems to function optimally.
“For it to function optimally, the centre requires equipment with computers and other related gadgets,” he said.
“We are also looking at infrastructure that supports the success of Disaster Risk Management in Zimbabwe such as evacuation centres, bailey bridges, warehouses for prepositioning relief, early warning systems and tools such as automated weather stations.”
Minister Garwe said Zimbabwe was open to further collaboration with China in post-disaster reconstruction, particularly in rebuilding roads, bridges and other key infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.
Beyond disaster management, the Minister said Zimbabwe also seeks to broaden cooperation with China in other sectors, including science and technology, industrial innovation and future medicine, as part of the two countries’ Joint Cooperation Matrix.
“As a nation, we are assured that as we will further deepen our cooperation other related issues will be further explored in the joint cooperation matrix between People’s Republic of China and Zimbabwe.”
The Chinese delegation to the bilateral talks included Deputy Administrator of the National Fire and Rescue Administration, He Ning, and Director-General of the General Office of the Ministry of Emergency Management, Yin Benjie.
