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1. Report on Cyclone Idai Disaster
   Following presentation of an update by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing on the Cyclone Idai disaster, Cabinet, once again, greatly appreciates the positive response to Government’s calls for assistance by both local and international partners.

Cabinet regrets to report that the number of deaths so far reported has now risen to 344. Government wishes to convey its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The search and recovery process is now confined to recovery of the deceased, as the missing persons can now be presumed to be dead. Specialised equipment and the relevant expertise are being mobilised towards the recovery of the bodies buried under the massive rock debris.

Furthermore, Cabinet wishes to advise that a team of pathologists will travel to Mozambique to collect samples of the remains of Zimbabweans who were buried there in order to facilitate the conduct of DNA tests and subsequent positive identification by their relatives. Plans are also underway to establish monuments in honour of the departed persons in places such as Ngangu, Machongwe and Copa.

Priority continues to be accorded to the repair or construction of damaged roads and bridges; schools infrastructure; provision of housing/shelter; water infrastructure; health infrastructure; and the provision of large-scale psycho-social support.

In addition, Cabinet has also established that the scale of the disaster was, to some extent, exacerbated by a 3,8 magnitude earthquake, which hit the Chimanimani areas shortly before the onset of the cyclone. A team of experts is currently on the ground in the Chimanimani and Chipinge areas carrying out a disaster vulnerability assessment exercise, with a view to determining the suitable long-term settlement and land-use patterns.

2. Preliminary Cereal Sufficiency Report for 2018/2019

Cabinet received a preliminary cereal sufficiency report for the 2018/2019 agriculture season from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement. The report showed that cereal production in 2018/2019 is projected at 714 598 metric tonnes of cereal grains. This excludes what we have in the Strategic Grain Reserve at GMB. Government is taking steps to ensure that national food security is guaranteed.

3. Water Infrastructure Tender Update

Cabinet received from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement an update on the Water Infrastructure Tender flighted on 1 March 2019 by his Ministry. The tender, which will close on 3 May 2019, is soliciting for potential investments for the development of 19 large dams and water supply projects under Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangements. The water infrastructure projects involved are the following:

1. Kondo-Chitowe Chisumbanje Irrigation Project;
2. Kudu Dam and Irrigation Project;
3. Muda-Nyatsime Chitungwiza Water Supply Project;
4. National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Supply Project;
5. Tuli–Moswa Water Supply and Irrigation Project;
6. Nyatana Dam;
7. Glassblock Bulawayo Water Supply Project;
8. Runde-Tende Dam and Irrigation Project;
9. Gwayi-Shangani Dam;
10. Semwa Dam;
11. Tuli-Manyange Dam;
12. Bindura Dam
13. Dande Dam and Tunnel;
14. Chivhu Dam;
15. Silverstroom Dam;
16. Rehabilitation of Harare Water Supply;
17. Gache-Gache Harare Chegutu Water Supply;
18. Tema-Teme Dam, and
19. Nande Dam

The water supply infrastructure development projects, upon completion, will augment water supply for urban, industrial and agricultural use.

4. Update on Public –Private Partnership Road Infrastructure Projects

Cabinet received an update from Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development on three priority road infrastructure projects to be undertaken under Public Private Partnerships. The road projects are as follows: Mvurwi-Guruve-Kanyemba, Beitbridge-Bulawayo–Victoria Falls, and Gweru-Buchwa-Rutenga-Boli-Sango.

Cabinet directed that due to the urgency of the road projects, the investors should immediately commerce works on the road projects assigned to them by 8th April  2019.

7. Producer Pricing Models for Maize, Small Grains, Soyabeans, Wheat and Cotton for the 2019/2020 Marketing Season.

Cabinet approved the proposal by Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement to review producer prices for maize, small grains, wheat, soyabeans and cotton as follows maize and small grains, RTGS$726 per metric tonne; wheat, RTGS$1 089,69; soyabean, RTGS$ 918; and cotton, RTGS$1 950 per metric tonne.

Cabinet also approved that the 38,5 percent subsidy on the selling price to millers be maintained in order to prevent increases in the retail prices. In US dollar terms the prices are now aligned to the import parity prices in the region. The review of the producer floor price is expected to result in increased agricultural production, and, hence, boost national food security.