Zimpapers Logo

Nyore Madzianike Senior Reporter
THE Islamic community has pledged to assist in rebuilding infrastructure that was destroyed in Chimanimani and to continue working with the Government in providing aid to Cyclone Idai victims in the district. Sheikh Walid El Saadi, the regional director for International Relief, Welfare and Development Organisation Southern Africa, said his organisation would liaise with the Government on how they could assist in the rebuilding process.

He said this on Thursday while handing over some foodstuffs and other relief items worth $140 000 to Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba (pictured above) in Mutare.

“When we heard about the cyclone which hit Mozambique and Zimbabwe including Malawi as well, as a relief organisation we went to Mozambique and Malawi and then flew to Harare under the command of our secretariat,” said Sheikh Walid.

“We met Government officials to discuss the logistics and this is where we are today. We have three trucks loaded with 100 tonnes of food and 1 200 blankets which we want to deliver to the people.

“We are here to meet the Minister of State to discuss how we are going to partner Government and to assist in handing over these goods to the people who need them.”

Sheikh Walid said they had dispatched a team from their organisation to assess the situation in Chimanimani and ascertain the number of people that they can assist in rebuilding their homes.

“We have a team which is on the ground assessing the situation to determine what the quantity of building materials that we need to bring when we come back, which is not too far off,” he said. “We need to assist them to rebuild their homes.”
Sheikh Walid said their gesture was as a result of their good relations with Zimbabweans.

He thanked the Government for accommodating their team when it came into the country.
“I want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for opening its doors for us to enter Zimbabwe which made everything easy for us. We thank you and we appreciate that,” he said.

ActionAid International also donated goods worth US$50 000 which they handed over to Dr Gwaradzimba.
The consignment of goods comprised sanitary wear, cooking utensils and food.

Speaking during the handover of the consignment, ActionAid International country director Mr Joy Mabenge said they decided to donate items that relate to women as they are the most affected during disasters.

“Women are the hardest hit during times of disaster,” Mr Mabenge. “That is why we decided to bring goods for women. We have also brought pots and other food items worth US$50 000. “We will continue supporting those who were affected by cyclone in different capacities.”

Telecel Zimbabwe (Mutare) also came aboard and donated an assortment of goods worth more than $10 000.
Regional sales manager Ms Enrita Mapota, who handed over the goods to Dr Gwaradzimba on behalf of Telecel Zimbabwe (Mutare), said her company was still collecting more items from draw boxes located at their various outlets across the country.

“Telecel Zimbabwe will also add a dollar to every dollar donated by our subscribers across the country towards the cyclone disaster,” she said. “This means more support will be coming in and what we brought here was part of the goods donated by our clients and staff in Mutare.”

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) also donated 4 500 blankets and five tonnes of mealie meal.
Lions Club International handed over goods and about US$20 000 half of which was used to buy some of the relief items needed in Chimanimani and Chipinge.

Dr Gwaradzimba thanked the different organisations for their gesture.
“No amount of preparedness would have prevented this disaster from happening. I take comfort in the response that we are getting, which is overwhelming and amazing,” she said.