By Derick Tsimba
The country is set to benefit close to US$174 Million in support from United Nations (UN) humanitarian partners owing to the impartial work by the outgoing UN Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe, Bishow Parajuli. Parajuli’s commitment to his work during his tenure in the country as Resident Coordinator is commendable as he managed to display impartiality until the completion of his assignment.
Efforts to assist Zimbabwe humanitarian situation owing to Cyclone Idai and the erratic climatic conditions saw the outgoing UN Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe recently appealing to its humanitarian partners to assist Zimbabwe on, 06 August 2019. According to Parajuli, since the launch of the revised appeal, the humanitarian partners have been most forthcoming. The partners in support of the appeal were, USA with USD 45 million; EU with USD 11 million; and, DFID with support for nearly USD 60 million. China announced bilateral contribution for Cyclone Idai recovery amounting to USD 58 million, and support to construct 500 boreholes.
The country continues to be in need of assistance during its time of need owing to challenges brought by natural disasters. With reference to the update by Mr Bishow Parajuli to UN Members States in New York on, 22 August 2019, Zimbabwe is facing a multitude of humanitarian challenges as a result of climate factors such as the droughts and cyclone and economic shocks. The impact of 2018/19 drought combined with continuing macro-economic challenges and austerity measures implemented as a part of the necessary economic reform efforts have resulted in high-level of food insecurity and economic hardships among the most vulnerable population.
In a bid to alleviate the vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe from poverty, in 2019 Government and its partners through Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) conducted a Rural Livelihoods Assessment, which estimated that up to 5.5 million people in the rural areas require food assistance.
The urban dwellers have not been left out from vulnerability, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has revealed estimates of up to 2.2 million people in urban areas that are food insecure.
In New York, Parajuli, recognized the important role played by Government in identifying Cyclone-affected communities which it is now addressing with its partners, including support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank and the private sector. Government seeks to restore livelihoods and to address the root causes of vulnerabilities and strengthening disaster risk management in the country.
Government on, 06 August 2019, declared the humanitarian situation in the country a state of disaster. The same day, the Revised Zimbabwe Humanitarian Appeal was launched in Harare as the international humanitarian partners support Government’s efforts. The Revised Zimbabwe Humanitarian Appeal covers the period July 2019 to April 2020.
Cyclone Idai affected 270,000 people and left 50,000 people displaced in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. Government through the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing continues to step up its efforts to assist the victims of Cyclone Idai. Manicaland Province has so far suffered the worst of the cyclone; Chimanimani, 23 wards with 8 000 households were affected; in Chipinge Rural, 32 wards with 3 000 households were affected; in Chipinge Urban, 8 wards were affected and Buhera northern wards, 1 000 households were affected.
Government’s social impact of the 2% electronic transfer tax is now in action to fund infrastructure restoration following Cyclone Idai induced floods destruction and infrastructural damage across Zimbabwe.
Rehabilitation of affected citizens and restoration of rural feeder roads and other structures continues to be conducted in the country. Funds are being allocated to the Civil Protection Unit, the Department of roads, Education, Health, Water and Sanitation and Electricity. The collective efforts by Zimbabwean citizens, companies, civic organisations, international partners by showing unwavering support to fellow citizens suffering from the humanitarian situation in the country are commendable.
