Red Cross launches disaster risk reduction project in Kariba

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The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has embarked on a disaster risk reduction project in Kariba, which is aimed at empowering communities and increase their capacity to prevent, predict, reduce the risk of, and respond to recurrent disasters.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has embarked on a disaster risk reduction project in Kariba, which is aimed at empowering communities and increase their capacity to prevent, predict, reduce the risk of, and respond to recurrent disasters.

Moses Mugugunyeki

The project was made possible through funding from the World Bank global facility for disaster risk reduction and Danish Red Cross.

ZRCS ambassador Alick Macheso (left), ZRCS Mashonaland West chairperson Febylene Magama and ZRCS secretary-general Maxwell Phiri at the launch of the disaster risk reduction project in Kariba on Wednesday
ZRCS ambassador Alick Macheso (left), ZRCS Mashonaland West chairperson Febylene Magama and ZRCS secretary-general Maxwell Phiri at the launch of the disaster risk reduction project in Kariba on Wednesday

Speaking at the launch of the programme in Kariba on Wednesday, ZRCS secretary general Maxwell Phiri said the project will go a long way in helping communities deal with emergencies or disasters.

“It is my sincere hope that this project will help capacitate the local communities to develop coping mechanisms that can help them deal with emergencies and disasters as they rise,” said Phiri.

“The Red Cross is indeed a conduit for help and we will always strive to work with beneficiary communities as partners for development in our humanitarian endeavours.”

Phiri added that through smart and people-centred programming, ZRCS will champion community-owned programmes that are not only emergency but developmental in their thrust for sustainability. He said the project which will be implemented in two and half years targets 2 347 households in rural Kariba.

Phiri said ZRCS will also train volunteers and representatives of both the village and ward committees.

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Faber Chidarikire said such a project ensures proper coordination between government and humanitarian organisations.

“The involvement of government departments will go a long way in ensuring the proper coordination of the project and through stakeholders, ZRCS will learn what works well and what can be improved,” he said.

“The project is significant in that the proposed activity contributes to World Bank global facility disaster risk reduction overarching objective of reducing vulnerabilities to hazard and help eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable development, and is fully consistent with all regional priorities for Africa.”