AfDB extends US$100m for Idai

07 Apr, 2019 - 00:04 0 Views
AfDB extends US$100m for Idai

The Sunday Mail

Senior Reporter

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has extended $100 million for immediate relief and medium-term infrastructure reconstruction efforts in Cyclone Idai affected areas in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

In a statement on Friday, the multilateral bank also announced a long-term climate risk insurance fund for the three countries, where 1 000 lives were claimed by tropical cyclone.

“Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai and the unprecedented loss of life and property in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, the African Development Bank has announced a multi-pronged response plan for the three countries,” reads a statement from the bank. The bank will be providing emergency assistance to the affected countries and a medium-term plan to meet the reconstruction needs of the affected areas, including a climate risk insurance plan.”

The bank last week deployed a high-level delegation — headed by its vice president for corporate services and human resources Mateus Magala — to Mozambique, where they met the country’s President, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi. A team from the bank has also been deployed to assess the damage and identify reconstruction priorities.

“The first phase of the plan consists of a special relief fund of $1,7 million for Mozambique, specifically for the immediate humanitarian relief effort in the worst affected areas.

“In the second phase, the bank will set up a response and reconstruction programme, committing up to $100 million for Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe to kick-start economic recovery and rehabilitation.

“A team is working to support the governments of the three countries, using the Bank’s convening power to assess needs, identify key reconstruction activities, and mobilise resources from the international community, global philanthropic organisations and the general public.”

It continued: “The bank is working to put together a long-term solution to climate risk in Southern Africa, a region subject to a continuous cycle of floods, droughts and cyclones, and one of the most vulnerable in the continent.”

Speaking shortly after meeting with Mozambique President, AfDB vice president Mateus Magala said: “We would like to rebuild and modernise this corridor to be more resilient and to energise the region’s economic activities without climate pressure or any other constraints.

“Mozambique has been the centre of the cyclone demonstration, but Zimbabwe and Malawi are also affected, so we will mobilise more resources for the reconstruction and modernisation of infrastructures in the region.” Cyclone-induced floods left over 300 people dead in Zimbabwe, while fears remain that some bodies could have been swept by the high waters into Mozambique.

Chimanimani and Chipinge districts bore the brunt of the cyclone. The AfDB will help complement the $100 million that has already been allocated to cover emergency requirements.

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