August 29, 2019

UN lauds Zimbabwe on aid distribution

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Leroy Dzenga

Outgoing United Nations Ambassador Bishow Parajuli says Zimbabwe
stands out as an example of how countries should handle aid.

His remarks follow what he considers commendable management of aid the country received in response to Cyclone Idai.

Some parts of eastern Zimbabwe were ripped by Tropical Cyclone Idai early
this year which left many people dead, thousands displaced and infrastructure destroyed.

The disaster triggered an outpouring of aid from general citizens, businesses, development partners and other countries.

Speaking in Harare on Thursday, Parajuli expressed satisfaction at how Zimbabwe distributed the donations.

“I have to commend Zimbabwe on how it has handled Cyclone Idai donations. We have been citing it as a good example,” he said during a reorientation workshop for Government departments involved in the distribution of drought and Cyclone Idai aid.

Parajuli said additional funding expected to be channeled to Zimbabwe under the revised humanitarian appeal should be handled in the same manner.

“I humbly plead with the Government and all involved departments to ensure that they continue to deliver humanitarian assistance in a transparent and impartial manner,” said Parajuli.

Zimbabwe has begun the process of coming up with criteria to identify citizens in need of food aid, following a drought in the past farming season.
According to the latest Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee
(ZimVAC) report, about 5 million people in rural Zimbabwe require food aid.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Disaster Prevention and Management, July Moyo said Government will lead the compilation of names of the beneficiaries. This is to avoid parallel lists sprouting from multiple sources, although there will be consultations with key community stakeholders.

“We are not going to tolerate any unscrupulous activities with the food and money. There will not be any trucks driven at night. Some tried to divert things meant for the vulnerable in Chimanimani and were arrested, about 14 of them,” Minister Moyo said.

He expressed gratitude for the role played by the UN in mobilizing extra funds that Zimbabwe needs to combat food insecurity and deal with residual Cyclone Idai effects.

Mr Parajuli also took time to bid farewell to Zimbabwe, saying his stay
in the country had been pleasant.

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