United Nations’ CERF Donates $16m To Zimbabw To Address Flood Victims

The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) handed over a donation amount of $16 million to Zimbabwean government on Wednesday at a ceremony at Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing offices in Harare to assist over 32,000 flood victims.

In 2016 the CERF allocated $8.2 million for more than 4 million flood victims. The country was hit by severe drought last year.

UN resident coordinator Bishow Parajuli said the fund is critical resource that will be used in supporting the affected communities with basic needs.

He applauded the CERF support for the country and said the fund will meet the basic needs of most vulnerable communities and also to those who are still living in temporary sheds.

He added, “Over 1,000 vulnerable families will receive non-food items and 2,500 women will be provided with dignity and reproductive health kits.”

The chairperson of the Cabinet committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management, Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, said the Zimbabwe government is committed in ensuring the required assistance to the beneficiary communities.

On March 2017 the Zimbabwe government launched a $189 million appeal for the flood affected people. A National flood disaster was declared earlier in the same month.