Statement on Floods : Government Not Doing Enough to Prevent Loss of Lives and Livelihoods due to Floods and Climate Change

The Committee of the Peoples Charter (CPC), expresses solidarity to all the victims of this disaster and we share the pain and despair that the affected families must be feeling. And we express gratitude to all Zimbabweans, the Republic of Namibia and the international disaster relief community, in their efforts to assist in the disaster relief operation that is currently underway.

The areas most affected areas are Tsholotsho, (Matabeleland North) Chivi and Masvingo districts in Masvingo Province. An estimated 60 000 people have been affected in the area alone due to the flooding which has destroyed their homes, property, schools, crops and animals.

We are however cognizant of the democratic fact that it is also the responsibility of government guarantee as far as is pragmatically possible, public safety in times of natural disaster. This includes inter alia, preparing and constructing the relevant public safety infrastructure in natural disaster prone regions of the country.

It is most unfortunate that flooding (among other natural maladies) has been a perennial problem in the areas cited since our national independence with limited little having been done by government to seek to ensure there is a continually adequate and rapid response to the these annually occurring natural disasters such as flooding and drought.

We also call for transparency in the distribution of the aid to the affected families as reports of abuse have already been reported in some affected areas.

While we all find ways and means to assist our fellow citizens in the flood hit areas of the country, it is imperative that we bring government to full account on this and any other tragic national and natural disasters.

This can and should be done by ensuring the prioritization of a Disaster Relief Plan for the Country that is publicly acknowledged, democratically implemented and coordinated.

Information Department