Christopher Makaza.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assured victims of Cyclone Idai that Government has mobilised enough food and resources to assist them and that no survivor will die of hunger.

Addressing Cyclone Idai victims in Chimanimani today during his tour of affected areas, President Mnangangwa said goods he mobilised from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Tanzania were on their way and would soon be in Mutare and be ready for distribution to the affected areas. He also thanked local well-wishers for their heartfelt donations.

“We don`t want to hear that people are dying of hunger. We have enough food for all of the affected people. As the weather is slowly becoming user friendly to our helicopters, they will soon start distributing food and other items some of which are currently piled in Mutare.

“We also have enough blankets and clothes and we have prepared medicines for diseases like cholera malaria and diahorrea which might surface as a result of the heavy rains.

“This unfortunate event came whilst I was in UAE where I had gone to strengthen our relations with that country and I had to cut short my visit to come and be with you here. The leader of that country after hearing of our tragedy promised to assist us and I am happy that as we speak cargos from that country with goods are on the way and another planeload arrived yesterday from Tanzania,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also assured the people that Government would move to speedily restore all services like water, roads and construction of roads in Chimanimani and Chipinge as well as provide necessary relief to affected communities.

“We have Engineers from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development who are going to assess roads and bridge damages and do the necessary repairs, this time we want to make them stronger,” he said.

President Mnangagwa warned that he will decisively deal with those who are going to corruptly distribute and misdirect the donated goods.

Same also said Government will introduce a new policy into the building of houses, with Government determining as to where and how the houses will be built. He said the policy might sound tough to the people but it will be good for them.

President Mnangagwa also revealed that Government will assist in the rehabilitation of destroyed school buildings at St Charles Langa and other affected Schools.