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Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
THE Government of Japan has donated $1 million for the provision of food, water and health services to 11 districts prone to drought and flooding in the country.

The project will be implemented jointly by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

In a joint statement yesterday, Unicef and WFP said the project would particularly help the most vulnerable people, especially women and children.

“The project is set to benefit 129 581 people across 11 drought and flood-affected districts in Zimbabwe. It will initiate preventive health, WASH and nutrition care in Tsholotsho, Mutoko, Centenary, Mbire and Mt Darwin districts.

“It will also be supplemented and supported by Productive Asset Creation (PAC) programmes in selected communities in Mt Darwin, which will help households to generate income and reduce reliance on food assistance,” said the two United Nations agencies.

In addition, they said, food and nutrition support will be provided to pregnant women at maternity waiting homes in Tsholotsho, Bubi, Umguza, Lupane, Hwange, Binga and Nkayi districts.

“Access to clean and safe water is critical to realising a bright future for Zimbabwe’s children, especially for those in poor and marginalised communities.

The piped water schemes will transform the lives of millions of children through improved health and nutrition outcomes.

“The proposed activities will directly contribute to strengthening the capacity and reaching the aims of the Government of Zimbabwe towards achieving progress under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals two (zero hunger) and three (good health and well-being),” they said.

The UN agencies said the projects will not only deliver critical immediate assistance, but will also provide long-term solutions for resilience, food security, and improved health. — @pamelashumba1