THE United States Government has donated to Zimbabwe an additional US$41, 9 million in funding to respond to the critical food security situation in the upcoming lean season between October 2019 and March 2020 in Zimbabwe.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
Briefing the press on Tuesday, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols said the funding will assist over one million vulnerable Zimbabweans.
I am representing the United States Government today as we announce our additional contribution of USD41, 9 million in response to the United Nations Humanitarian Appeal to increase emergency food needs in Zimbabwe. This brings the total US government contribution for this 2019-2020 season to USD 86, 9 million,” he said.
He added that their contributions makes them the largest bilateral donor for emergency bilateral assistance to Zimbabwe.
“We are proud working with our outstanding partner the World Food Program (WFP) and the many implementing partners to deliver this assistance quickly, efficiently and transparently to the people who need it most.
“The USD45 million contribution we had in august combined with this additional USD41, 9million will provide food rations and a limited number of cash transfers for the purchase of food between October 2019 and April 2020. This assistance will improve the nutritional status of vulnerable Zimbabweans and alleviate suffering.
“These resources are an addition to the USD15 million, the US provided in emergency food security funding for the 2018-19 season under the UN Flash Appeal and USD7, 9 million in Cyclone Idai response. These contributions bring the total US contributions in Zimbabwe to USD109, 8 million in 2019,” said the Ambassador.
The ambassador urged the Zimbabwean government to fight corruption which seen the mismanagement of resources. He also said the assistance addresses malnutrition and starvation in Zimbabwe.
World Food Program Zimbabwe representative Mr Eddie Rowe said, “As part of our own response plan with support from broader UN functions, the WFP is currently having plans to provide food assistance from August to April next year reaching more than 2 million rural Zimbabweans at the peak of the lean season. And thanks to USA food for peace, the US government this generous contribution will make it possible to provide for more than half of the 2 million.”
