Government and the private sector are stepping up efforts to support families affected by the Kariba boat disaster, with businesses and other well-wishers responding to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for national solidarity.
The mobilisation of assistance is aimed at easing the burden on survivors and bereaved families as communities continue to recover from the tragedy, which left scores of people dead and others facing profound social and economic challenges.
In Mashonaland West, traditional leaders and members of the business community have begun contributing food and other essential goods to affected families.
A consignment comprising bags of maize, foodstuffs and sanitary wear was handed over to Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, at her offices in Chinhoyi, yesterday.
Traditional leader, Dr Kamwelo Banda, said the assistance was intended to provide immediate relief to families struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
“Following the ferry disaster, many families were left in dire need of food, clothing and blankets. This is not a time for blame, but for Zimbabweans to demonstrate the spirit of Ubuntu by extending a helping hand to those affected,” he said.
Dr Banda urged individuals, businesses and organisations to unite in supporting the affected families, stressing that no family should feel abandoned during the recovery period.
Businessman Unesco Chirinda said the private sector had a responsibility to stand with communities during times of crisis.
“As a business that has recently opened a branch in Chinhoyi, we believe it is important to play our part in supporting and mourning with our fellow brothers and sisters affected by this tragedy,” he said.
He also called on other businesses to contribute towards the relief effort.
Another businessman, Moses Chipi, said disaster response should not be left to Government alone, urging Zimbabweans to embrace the principle of collective responsibility.
“The President, Dr Mnangagwa, always says ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, meaning the country is built by its own people.
“We are therefore the people who should come forward whenever disaster strikes. This tragedy has affected many families, and we cannot leave the responsibility of helping them to Government alone. Let us join hands and support the affected families,” he said.
Minister Chombo commended the donors for responding to the national call for assistance, saying the gesture reflected the spirit of Ubuntu.
She said affected families required more than food, with children who lost parents needing sustained support to continue with their education.
“We are grateful to Sekuru Banda and members of the business community for responding to the call for assistance. Their gesture demonstrates the spirit of Ubuntu and shows that supporting affected families is a responsibility we all share.
“Beyond food, these families also need clothing and blankets, while children who lost their parents require continued support with school fees, uniforms and other educational needs,” she said.
Minister Chombo appealed to more organisations, companies and individuals to join the relief effort as Government continues coordinating recovery interventions.
The latest assistance comes a day after Green Hydro Power, which is preparing to install a floating solar power plant at Kariba Dam, pledged scholarships for children affected by the disaster.
The Zambezi River Authority has also extended financial assistance to families affected by the tragedy.
The growing response from Government, businesses and other stakeholders is expected to provide much-needed relief while helping vulnerable families rebuild their lives after the devastating incident.
