By Gift Mashoko

Econet has dismissed allegations on social media that they have pulled out from rendering assistance to the Cyclone Idai victims saying they, instead are doubling their aid.

Econet released a statement to this effect saying that they were fully operational and intend to be in the area for a while.

“Our base camps are all operating normally, and we will not allow anyone to interfere with them. Econet and the Higher Life Foundation are doubling down on their mission. We intend to be in the area for at least 12 months.”

Relatedly, Econet Wireless Chief Operating Officer, Fayaz King tweeted saying, “Kindly be advised that we have 74 staff on the ground today 26 March 2019. Our helicopters have done 15 trips as at 1300hours moving almost 30 tonnes of food of which 15tonnes in 3 cars have gone to 3 orphanages this morning. Please be guided accordingly.”

King was responding to questions on twitter on whether they had pulled out their @Higher Life teams after ZANU PF allegedly grabbed control of the Cyclone Idai relief donations.

“We had received an outcry by the people on the ground as well as Econet staffers. However, we had failed to get any official confirmation since yesterday evening. The most important thing now is that they have confirmed that Cyclone Idai victims are receiving help,” he said.

Econet’s relief programme includes four phases namely, search and rescue, emergency relief, emergency medical support and recovery. To date Econet Wireless has helped with three helicopter, drones, $5 million cash to help in the search and rescue afforts and has also been raising money from donors internationally. Not only that, but it has deployed a team to be on the ground full time to assist.