Overwhelming response for cyclone Idai’s victims

Business Reporters

THERE is an overwhelming response from local corporates that have joined Government in mobilising financial and material resources to assist thousands of people in Manicaland and Masvingo that were left homeless while others were maimed during a devastating Cyclone Idai that killed over 100 people.

The world has also extended a helping hand to the country with plane-loads of goodies and sundry arriving yesterday from sisterly countries from Africa and beyond as they sympathised with the country following the natural disaster.

Countries from the Middle East, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Tanzania and Abu Dhabi, have pledged support for Cyclone Idai victims following President Mnangagwa’s appeal.

Already, companies such as Econet and Delta Corporation have donated RTGS$5 million and

RTGS$1,5 million respectively, while other firms quietly rendered assistance since the onslaught of the Cyclone. An arrangement has been made for people in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls to deliver their donations at Econet shops in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls where Air Zimbabwe will pick them to Harare for onward delivery to the affected areas.

Donations continued coming from several firms yesterday among them Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, Hwange Colliery Company, Air Zimbabwe, POSB and Dairibord Holdings among others.

The deadly storm, which destroyed 90 percent of coastal city of Beira in Mozambique as well as Malawi, severely damaged infrastructure in Zimbabwe such as roads, bridges and electricity network, resulting in power outages and while many areas were left inaccessible by road.

While assessments are still being undertaken to ascertain the scale of damages and potential losses, the Government has set aside RTGS$50 million for the reconstruction.

Stanbic head of marketing and communication Mr Palmer Mugavha said the institution had purchased goods worth RTGS$250 000 to assist the victims.

“The bank has managed to arrange 39 tents, which will accommodate about 700 people who have been left homeless by the violent cyclone,” he said.

The bank also provided 500 metres of black sheeting for ground covering, 700 blankets 200 000 packs of re-usable sanitary wear and 200 000 bottled water. The bank stuff members donated clothing, food staffs and various necessities, said Mr Mugavha, adding the bank set aside RTGS$53 000 to assist in rebuilding of roads. Hwange Colliery Company in a statement said it had set aside RTGS$20 000 to support the cyclone victims.

“As Hwange, we acknowledge that the pain of our countrymen is also our pain and will continue as an organisation to stand firmly in solidarity with causes that embody unity and love while bringing us closer together as Zimbabweans in difficult moments,” said spokesperson Ms Rugare Dhobbie.

“We are saddened by the loss of life, destruction of property and discontinuation of livelihoods in the areas hit by the natural disaster.”

Air Zimbabwe said it was joining Government and its departments, the private sector, civic organisations “in the mobilisation of relief resources towards the families and communities affected by the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai.

“To this end, Air Zimbabwe wishes to inform the public that we have availed our aircraft in order to facilitate the uplift of donations such as dry food stuffs, clothes, blankets, sanitary utilities and diapers from Bulawayo and Victoria Falls airports to Harare at no charge.

“Therefore, members of the public and organisations can drop off their donations at any Econet Shop in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, at the Bulawayo City Hall as well as Victoria Falls Town Council offices where all the items will be packaged and delivered to the Bulawayo and Victoria Falls airports for uplift to Harare,” said Air Zimbabwe in a statement.

Added Air Zimbabwe; “Let us come together and lend a helping hand to the many families and communities who have been affected by Cyclone Idai.” The People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) acting public relations manager Dionne Mpofu, said the bank offered blankets worth $20 000 and groceries worth $15 000 towards the cause.

“Additionally, invites its clients, stakeholders POSB and well-wishers to also lend a hand by donating any amount into the Cyclone Idai POSB Disaster Relief Account 500003343422 in order to make a difference. Support from this additional initiative will be handed over at a date and time to be announced,” he said.

The bank urged its stakeholders with assistance to contact Mr Lawrence Kupika - head of marketing and on 0712887944. PR

Meanwhile Dairibord Holdings says it will be offering relief support to Chipinge Hospital for the next month or so and has already donated 15 by 50kgs of loose tea leaves. The company’s corporate communications manager Ms Imelda Shoko said the beverages giant was also set to donate 1 000 blankets, 1 500 cases each of cascade and maheu, as well as 300 cases each of steri and lacto milk to the victims of Cyclone Idai.