Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa says government is ready to deal with the 2020/21 anticipated rainfall disasters.
Addressing the media during the 36th post Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said with the already anticipated heavy rainfalls that are likely to cause disasters such as cyclones and other disasters, the government has crafted the National Contingency Plan for the 2020/21 rainfall season.
“Regarding the country’s preparedness for emergencies likely to occur during the 2020/21 rainfall season, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works informed Cabinet that with high rainfall amounts expected during the 2020/21 rainfall season, Government is getting ready to deal with anticipated disasters.
“This is in view of the widespread damage experienced in the past during Cyclone Dineo in 2017 and Cyclone Idai in 2019. Accordingly, the National Contingency Plan for the 2020/2021 rainfall season has been crafted to deal with the wide range of hazards expected, which may include flash flooding, severe thunder, wind and hail storms, landslides, and major human and animal disease as well as crop pest outbreaks,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said government has set aside a budget amounting to US$3O million for the anticipated disasters.
“Cabinet resolved to capacitate Departments that are critical in early warning systems, and approved a budget amounting to US$32 million for the facilitation of early recovery from potential adverse impacts from the 2020/2021 rainfall season.” She said.
