The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has been hailed for its community-owned projects in Muzarabani that go beyond piecemeal solutions to everyday challenges.
By Style Reporter
Speaking at the commissioning of $38 000 water pipeline project in Chiwenga ward 24, Muzarabani district in Mashonaland Central province, State Affairs minister for the province Monica Mavhunga hailed the Red Cross for its community development work.
“The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and its partners have become trusted development partners of government through their well-thought programmes, which have over the years brought relief to the suffering masses,” she said.
Mavhunga said over the past two decades, ZRCS had championed programmes ranging from community-based health and first aid, water and sanitation, to food security and livelihoods initiatives, construction of footbridges as well as the on-going building community resilience through integrated health and disaster risk reduction programming.
“Red Cross footprints in Muzarabani district are there for all to see and I am happy that today we are unveiling yet another plausible initiative that will help curtail water woes at the local clinic, school and community at large,” Mavhunga said.
The solar-powered water project, which was funded by the Finnish Red Cross is a boon to Chiwenga clinic and Chiwenga Primary School with over 840 pupils and 14 teachers as well as 150 households in the area.
ZRCS secretary-general Maxwell Phiri said it was in their thrust and programme design to bring meaningful development in communities.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“What we have seen is that it is important that as a humanitarian player we design meaningful programmes that bring meaningful development and positive change to communities,” he said.
“Gone are the days of piecemeal solutions to community challenges. Communities must be empowered through long-term developmental projects that are well-thought and bring lasting solutions to everyday challenges.”
Phiri announced that the Red Cross would build a classroom block at Chiwenga Primary School, which only has one block and some makeshift classrooms that expose pupils to natural hazards and makes learning a nightmare.
“We have heard your calls for more support, especially at the local school where over 800 students are having to make do with one classroom block and some makeshift sheds for classes,” he said.
“We are also going to provide some fencing materials for the solar-powered pump area as well as build a proper guardroom to ensure the property is not vandalised.”
ZRCS also unveiled a $19 000 footbridge at Gunduza in Chaderaka, which will go a long way in assisting students and local villagers during times of floods.
The footbridge is the second one after another one that was unveiled in 2016 at Nzoumvunda.
Muzarabani district administrator John Herms Chihobo hailed the Red Cross for its continued support.
“Muzarabani is flood-prone and though flooding continues, cases of people getting marooned or washed away are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to Red Cross support in community disaster risk reduction education through volunteers and construction of footbridges that ensure pupils don’t miss class and villagers continue to access social amenities during flooding,” Chihobo said.
