TINASHE MAKICHI
The United Nations (UN) has revised the funding required for Zimbabwe relief to US$294m after adding a further US$60m aimed at assisting the cyclone hit southern African country.
The additional US$60m being mobilised by United Nations is aimed at providing urgent food, health, water, sanitation, hygiene and protection.
This initiative by UN comes after hundreds of people were killed while several others are still missing in eastern Zimbabwe after the country was hit by tropical Cyclone Idai which also damaged neighbouring Mozambique and Malawi.
The cyclone affected more than 1,5 million people in the three southern African countries, according to the United Nations and government officials. Homes, schools, businesses, hospitals and police stations were destroyed while roads were washed away leaving thousands stranded by heavy flooding.
UN Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bishow Parajuli said the combined effect of Cyclone Idai caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and loss of life in the Eastern Highlands, hence the urgent need for assistance.
“Although the Humanitarian Flash Appeal was launched on February 28, 2019 requesting for $234 million, the amount has now been revised to $294 million to cover the needs of the Cyclone affected population,” Parajuli said.
“The Flash Appeal aims to provide food assistance, health, WASH services, education and social protection to 2,4 million people in the most vulnerable districts complementing government efforts.”
The revision in the required funding comes as government is also appealing for funding to the tune of $612m for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction of infrastructure after the Cyclone Idai disaster.
According to a document presented by Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, $155m is needed for logistics and emergency communication to get help to affected communities.
A further US$292m is needed for food and nutrition to about 100,000 people in the hardest hit area of Chimanimani; US$75m is required for emergency shelter; and $51m has been budgeted for water sanitation and hygiene.
