Story by Peter Chivhima
NON-GOVERNMENTAL and civic organisations based in Zimbabwe have pledged to work with Zimbabwe in case of natural disasters.
Highlighting Cyclone Idai Recovery Plan milestones and achievements over four years in Harare this Friday, representatives of different aid organisations said they are ready to assist the country in the future.
This comes after various aid organisations came to the country’s rescue following the 2019 Cyclone Idai disaster.
“Yes, in case of disasters, we are ready to assist. We want to thank the government of Zimbabwe for the timely intervention during the time the nation was hit by the Cyclone,” said UNICEF country representative for Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale.
“As the IOM Zimbabwe, we remain committed to working with the government of Zimbabwe in case of any natural disasters,” said information management coordinator for IOM UN Zimbabwe, Mrs Tsitsi Mkonto.
World Bank’s acting country manager, Mrs Fadzai Mukonoweshuro had a word of advice on how to reduce the impact of natural disasters.
“We need to work together as aid organisations to be able to deal with natural disasters. In terms of infrastructure development, we need to build infrastructure that is strong enough to withstand disasters,” she said.
The government has learnt valuable lessons from the 2019 Cyclone Idai in terms of disaster preparedness.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Winston Chitando said, “I appreciate efforts by the government of Zimbabwe, the donor community, and multi-lateral financial institutions in recapitalising our Meteorological Services Department (MSD). The MSD is now better placed to provide more accurate weather forecasts. However, more support is still required to continue to enhance our Early Warning system. In the wake of the El Nino climate phenomenon with a forecast of normal to below normal rainfall in Southern Africa including Zimbabwe during the 2023/24 Rainfall Season, the government should put in place measures that ensure food security for citizens.”
The Cyclone Idai pummelled the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe with Chimanimani and Chipinge being the worst affected.
Since then, the government has been working with its development partners in implementing a robust recovery plan to construct schools, roads, bridges, and housing units for people displaced by the weather phenomenon.
