(TALKZIMBABWE) Sadc launches Zimbabwe aid package worth over US$30million

Sadc launches Zimbabwe aid package worth over US$30million
Ralph Mutema
Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:54:00 +0000

THE Sadc Humanitarian Assistance Programme worth over US$30 million to Zimbabwe was launched in Harare this weekend. Large consignments of agricultural inputs and cholera medical kits are already in the country and are awaiting distribution to various areas where they are needed in the country.

Speaking to journalists at the launch, the Sadc Executive Secretary, Dr Tomaz Salamao said the move by Sadc was in solidarity with Zimbabwe at a time when the country was facing a crisis.

"We are here to launch the initiative and find out how far we are in terms of delivering the required assistance," Dr Salomao said.

"The region will always assist its member states."

"We have also agreed on how, along the borders, Sadc member states can work together and assist each other especially on cholera," said Dr Salamao.

The launch is a result of the visit to Zimbabwe by a Sadc team led by South Africa - currently the Chair of the regional bloc - two weeks ago to assess the country's humanitarian needs and several consultations were made by relevant stakeholders on how best to assist the country.

Salamao said part of the package was South Africa's 300 million rands' worth (30 million dollars, 22 million euros) donation of seed, fertilisers and fuel to help revive the country's agricultural sector.

"It's clear that we cannot fail. Africa cannot fail on this in assisting Zimbabwe and the people. This is a region of solidarity and when you are facing difficulties you have to encounter it," he said.

South African Director General in the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba who represented the Sadc Chairperson commended the reponse by regional members in coming up with intervention measures for the welfare of Zimbabweans.

The delegation led by Dr Salamao, Chief Secretary in the President Mugabe’s Office, Dr Misheck Sibanda, diplomats and government officials toured the warehouse in Masasa Industrial Area where several metric tonnes of agricultural inputs are awaiting distribution.

Some countries in the region have also donated drugs and medical kits to Zimbabwe to help curb the spread of cholera.

South Africa had maintained that it will hold off any kind of aid assistance to Zimbabwe until a unity government is in place, but the urgency of the humanitarian assistance required immediate action.

"This is regional solidarity. When you are facing difficulties, you have to count on the solidarity of your brothers. We cannot fail in assisting Zimbabwe, that's the critical and most important thing," said Dr Salamao.

Other regional countries who contributed to the package include Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia.

This effort was unveiled as the United States announced that it will not extend aid to Zimbabwe as long as President Robert Mugabe remains leader.

TZG/AFP/Newsnet