US$2.9 million dam project launched

Governments/Church combine efforts

GOVERNMENT has commended the Republic of Japan, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Zimbabwe for complimenting its efforts in alleviating poverty in marginalised communities.

This comes as the Republic of Japan has extended US$ 2,9 million to Zimbabwe for the construction of several dams in drought stricken Zvishavane.

ADRA Zimbabwe is a Seventh Day Adventist church affiliated non-governmental organisation. It’s mission is to work with people in poverty and distress to create just, positive and sustainable transformations through empowering partnerships.

Addressing scores of people at Nhedzi Village, Ward 17 under Chief Mazviwa during the launch of the project, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Fred Moyo said the construction of dams in the area will go a long way in improving access to water for locals.

“I understand that the main aim of these partners is to help people, with skills that have a capacity to bear fruits in the future.

“They are looking at ways to alleviate hunger and poverty. The aim of the United Nations is to put measures and make sure that no one starves by 2030, hence the initiative to empower communities,” the deputy minister said.

He however said the UN’s objective is being threatened by climate change that has seen low rainfalls being experienced in southern Africa.

Guest of honour and Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Yoshi Tendai Hiraishi commended the WFP and its implementing part- ner ADRA Zimbabwe, for their interventions.

“ADRA and other key players have been working tirelessly to ensure the ultimate success of this project. Such collaborative efforts are essential in such dire times as now,” Ambassador Hiraishi said.

He said people should be given means that enables them to produce their own food so as to reduce dependency on donations.

“We want to specifically give them the means to produce their own necessities in a sustainable manner so as to mitigate their damage due to unforeseen shocks,” he said.

Ambassador Hiraishi added that El Nino induced drought conditions during the 2015/16 agricultural season have had a negative impact on food security in the country and the southern African sub-region.

“Zvishavane has been identified by Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC) as being one of the 20 worst affected districts in the country.

“In view of this, the government of Japan responded swiftly and positively to an appeal from the Government of Zimbabwe for international assistance in the face of this calamitous national emergency. I am glad to note that this partnership has developed from strength to strength.

“WFP is adopting an increasingly wide range of innovative initiatives such as the Food For Assets. This program seeks to promote long term food security whereby communities create viable assets such as weirs (dams) to irrigate community gardens.

“The work being undertaken was selected by the local community people after wide range consultations with all stakeholders,” he said.

Added Ambassador Hiraishi: “By its very nature, it is a very open, transparent system, reaching those most in need.

Once work is completed, we encourage you to scale up irrigation development and establish the planned nutrition gardens to supplement your diets with fresh garden produce for nutritional diversity particularly for the younger generation. Building resilience is key to achieving sustainable development (and) a bright future free from hunger.”

Villagers also received donations of basic commodities such as maize meal and cooking oil.

ADRA Zimbabwe county director, Mrs Judith Musvosvi said the food distributions will be conducted monthly to mitigate the effects of the El Nino induced drought.