Staff Reporter
Government has received a substantial pay-out of US$32 million from the Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Act Group.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, at Monomotapa Hotel, in Harare today, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube emphasized the pivotal role of proactive disaster risk financing in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
Zimbabwe’s membership in the Africa Risk Capacity Agency since 2012 shows that we are committed to strengthening our disaster risk management framework to protect livelihoods and ensure food security.
The funds received will support Government’s blitz food distribution program, aimed at alleviating hunger among the most vulnerable populations while awaiting the ZimVAC assessment results,” Minister Ncube added
Highlighting the districts set to benefit, Minister Ncube said that the US$32 million drought insurance pay-out will benefit approximately 509,000 vulnerable households across 27 districts from each Province in Zimbabwe.
“These districts include Chimanimani, Mutare, and Buhera in Manicaland; Mount Darwin, Rushinga, and Mbire in Mashonaland Central; Mudzi in Mashonaland East; Kariba in Mashonaland West; Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Zaka in Masvingo; Binga, Lupane, Umguza, Hwange, Nkayi, and Cholocholo in Matabeleland North; Umzingwane, Mangwe, Beitbridge, Gwanda, Matobo, and Insiza in Matabeleland South; and Chikomba, Gokwe North, and Mberengwa in the Midlands province,” Minister Ncube said
The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to all partners involved in this critical initiative.
“The continued collaborations are significant in building resilience and sustaining development efforts in Zimbabwe. The pay-out ceremony serves as a pivotal moment in Government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate climate-related challenges and safeguard the well-being of its citizens,” Minister Ncube remarked
Meanwhile, Dr. Margaret Verwijik, Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi emphasized the transformative impact of the pay-out on vulnerable communities.
“This pay-out signifies our commitment to bolstering resilience. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring food security amidst recurring drought cycles,” she said
Similarly, The Africa Development Bank’s (AFBD) involvement has been instrumental, AFDB Country Director for Zimbabwe, Ms Moono Mupotola underscored their support in strengthening Zimbabwe’s disaster risk management framework.
“Our collaboration aims to enhance institutional capacities and foster sustainable development. They are still more ongoing efforts to fund initiatives that build resilience and enable swift crisis responses,” Ms Mupotola said.
Alongside Government initiatives, non-governmental organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and Start Network have played pivotal roles in extending coverage and delivering aid to affected populations. Their active participation underscores a unified commitment to comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies.
