Understanding the Zimbabwe Multi-Donor Trust Fund
DEAR Reader, welcome to the first publication of the ZimFund Column!
As an introductory article, we thought it best to share with you the background of ZimFund and all there is to know as far as ZimFund programme is concerned.
In subsequent articles, this column will share with you in detail the successes of the programme, with special focus on its impact on the targeted beneficiaries, challenges encountered along the way and the current status.
We strongly believe that Zimbabweans, more so, the targeted beneficiaries should be provided with opportunities to participate in the communication process via accessible user friendly platforms such as this one. It is therefore, envisaged that this column will keep ZimFund stakeholders positively engaged in terms of both the results and challenges of the projects.
ZimFund Background
ZimFund traces its roots to the cholera outbreak that hit the country in 2008 where nearly 4 000 lives were lost and 100 000 were affected.
The breakdown of water and sanitation infrastructure, compounded by unreliable power supply led to inadequate supply of safe and clean water in most urban centres, hence the outbreak of the pandemic. There was an urgent need to improve health and social well-being of the general populace.
As a result, ZimFund was established to help the country address challenges it was facing in this sector through rehabilitation of key water & sanitation and power infrastructure especially in municipalities that were most affected.
ZimFund Donors
ZimFund donors include Australia, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom who have to date contributed US$145,8 million towards water and sanitation and power projects.
Fund Administrator
As Africa’s premier development finance institution, the African Development Bank (AfDB) was requested, and accepted to administer the ZimFund by the Government of Zimbabwe and ZimFund Donors in 2010.
Governance Structure
The Fund has a one-tier governance structure: a Programme Oversight Committee which includes Government representatives, contributing development partners and ZimFund Management. All ZimFund supported activities are consistent with Government’s recovery and development programmes.
ZimFund Projects
Two projects were commissioned and these are: Urgent Water Supply and Sanitation Rehabilitation Project (UWSSRP) and Emergency Power Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (EPIRP).Both these projects were implemented in two phases. Phase I projects were completed. Phase II projects are currently underway.
UWSSRP: The objective of UWSSRP is to augment the provision of adequate water and sanitation services. UWSSRP Phase I was implemented in six municipalities including: Harare, Chitungwiza, Mutare, Chegutu, Kwekwe and Masvingo benefitting a combined total population of 2,5 million. Phase II is being implemented in four municipalities of Chitungwiza, Harare, Ruwa and Redcliff serving an estimated population of 1.9 million people.
EPIRP: The objective of EPIRP is to assist Zimbabwe to improve provision of adequate and reliable electricity in an environmentally friendly manner. Phase I projects saw over half a million people in residential areas having their sewage reticulation powered by reliable power and over 11632 being restored to the electricity network. The project target areas for Phase 2 are Kwekwe, Gweru, Bulawayo, Mutare, Harare and Hwange, with a combined target population of five million people.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article reflect those of authors and do not reflect those of the ZimFund donors, the African Development Bank, its board of directors or the countries they represent. For feedback and more information kindly contact ZimFund Communications: s.mlotshwa@afdb.org, e.nzabanita@ afdb.org, or i.kaba@afdb.org