By Rudo Saungweme
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed gratitude over the assistance given to Zimbabwe when Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe early this year.
President Mnangagwa has said this while addressing the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA today.
“For us in Southern Africa the recent cyclone Idai serves as a reminder that the impact of climate change and its damage to human kind and life is dire and the tropical cyclone Idai left thousands upon thousands dead and a trail of infrastructure destruction.
“We are still recovering from this disaster whose cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated at US 600 million for Zimbabwe alone.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank all well-wishers from across the world for their solidarity and support we received towards relief, recovery and construction and other forms of assistance following Cyclone Idai,” he said.
In his address President Mnangagwa also stated that the impact of climate change has had dire consequences to Zimbabwe adversely affecting the hydro power generation in Zimbabwe.
Lake Kariba which is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the world and an important resource for agriculture and fisheries; and also a key source of hydroelectric power for Zimbabwe and Zambia has seen a drastic decline in the water levels affecting power generation leading to prolonged hours of power cuts in Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa has assured the world that Zimbabwe will participate in all programs that will help in mitigating the challenges caused by climate change.
