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Tapiwa Mutiza Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) in partnership with Delta Corporation has donated school chairs and desks worth about $400 000 to schools affected by Cyclone Idai.

The donation will benefit 10 schools in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts.

Speaking at the official handover of the furniture in Harare on Monday, provincial education director for Manicaland Province Mr Edward Shumba said in the aftermath of the cyclone, a number of helpers were targeting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes.

He said few donations towards school infrastructure came through, resulting in closure of some schools as some infrastructure was destroyed.

“Red Cross played a pivotal role in alleviating the cyclone-induced problems, when disaster struck, the ministry was forced to close some schools as buildings and infrastructure were destroyed,” Mr Shumba said.

“We hope this donation marks the beginning of a permanent form of assistance as previous interventions targeted WASH issues.

“With this donation, the quality of education will certainly improve.”

Speaking on the same occasion, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society national president Mr Edison Mlambo said his organisation remains committed to assisting communities when disaster strikes.

He said in times of disaster, a lot is required from response to recovery, hence Red Cross’ continued presence in Manicaland Province.

“In all disasters, all developmental operations, competing humanitarian needs always outweigh available resources and we are grateful to Delta Corporation for sparing a thought for the less privileged,” said Mr Mlambo.

Delta Corporation non-executive board member Mr Luke Ngwerume said to date his organisation invested ZW$1,6 million towards the disaster, money which was disbursed through different partners.

He said in addition, Delta also mobilised food items, beverages for service personnel and blankets worth $50 000 for the same cause.