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Patrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief
The Midlands Province has donated over $260 000 in cash or kind towards the victims of Cyclone Idai which ravaged parts of Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands provinces, leaving over 100 dead, some missing and scores displaced.

Addressing members of the corporate world and Government officials at the launch of the Midlands Province initiative for aid to assist the people affected by Cyclone Idai at the Government Complex in Gweru yesterday, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Larry Mavhima thanked the corporate world, individuals and churches for heeding the call to donate towards the worthy cause.

“I am happy to note that after launching the initiative yesterday, we have received donations in cash and kind to the tune of over $260 000 and more is coming since we have a lot of pledges from individuals and the corporate,” he said.

“No single cents will go missing as has been said by President Mnangagwa and to demonstrate this commitment lets have all the donated cash and items here by Friday (tomorrow) so that we can arrange logistics to get them to the affected areas.

“We are happy that Bata has donated gumboots and if possible may we have them as soon as possible so that they are given to the people assisting the affected people for smooth rescue operations.”

Minister Mavima said Zanu-PF Midlands province donated $20 000, Lessafre donated $10 000, Todal mining donated $100 000, Sino Zimbabwe donated $30 000 worth of cement, Zimasco 15 000 litres of fuel worth about $45 000, Mesclothing Company clothing items worth $10 000, Sable Chemicals in kind, Bata Shoe Company 150 pairs of gumboots, Pote holdings $10 000, Mimosa employees and management donated $28 000, while other companies like Dendairy and TM group of companies made pledges running into thousands of dollars.

He said all districts administrators’ offices in the province were open to receive aid and transport it to the command centre in Gweru for onward transmission to the affected areas.