By Rudo Saungweme
Two new Post Cyclone Idai recovery projects which were launched today by The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) will see more than 270 000 people affected by Cyclone Idai getting assistance.
Speaking at the launch, World Bank Regional Director for Social, Urban and Rural Resilience, Ede Ijjasz-Vasquez stated that the World Bank is providing US$72 million for the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Project (ZIRP), and will focus on restoring livelihoods and communities. He added that AfDB will fund US$24.5 million for the Post Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project (PCIREP) and the PCIREP will focus on public infrastructure and capacity building.
"The World Bank is providing a $72 million grant to fund the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Project (ZIRP) which will provide immediate support for the most affected communities across nine districts. ZIRP will focus on rebuilding community infrastructure and restore livelihoods through cash transfers, restoring agricultural crops and livestock production, and revitalising basic healthcare services.
"UNOPS will manage the project working with other UN Agencies namely FAO, UNICEF, WFP and WHO.
"The Post Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project (PCIEREP) will focus on rebuilding key infrastructure across Zimbabwe. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is funding the US $24.5 million project that will help restore essential services including transport, electricity and water and sanitation to the most severely affected communities in the districts of Chimanimani and Chipinge in the Province of Manicaland," he said.
Ijjasz-Vasquez indicated that the PCIREP and ZIRP will operate closely together with the Government to build resilience in local communities and support the establishment of a country-wide Disaster Recovery and Resilience Framework.
A number of collaborative initiatives are under preparation to enable Zimbabwe to strengthen its capacity and systems for recovery and resilience coordination. One of the initiatives is the Government-led Recovery and Resilience Framework in line with the Government's Transition Stabilization and National Development Plan tabled to take place in 2020.
Commenting on the development, Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo said that the launch of the Recovery Projects gave impetus and traction to the recovery stretch.
"The launch of the Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Project and Post Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project gives impetus and traction to the recovery stretch where we will work with partners from the private sector, World Bank, AFDB, DFID, People's Republic of China, Republic of South Africa, EU, the UN just to mention a few as we assist the affected communities to build resilience. To date, Civil Protection Committees remain fully activated at all levels as they continue to support the affected communities in realizing the ultimate goal of building their resilience,” said the Minister.
Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe in March this year, causing extensive damage worth an estimated US$622 million. Over 50 000 households were destroyed, directly affecting 270 000 people including 60 000 who were displaced.
It is estimated that US $1.1 billion is needed to recover and restore damaged infrastructure and livelihoods.
