The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, last week met the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain, to strengthen collaboration in disaster risk management, humanitarian response and community resilience.
During the meeting, Minister Garwe expressed appreciation for the IFRC’s continued support to Zimbabwe, particularly its assistance to vulnerable communities during times of crisis.
He highlighted the organisation’s financial support for the repatriation of Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa during the xenophobic attacks, as well as the provision of food, hygiene kits and other humanitarian assistance.
Minister Garwe also acknowledged the IFRC’s role in strengthening livelihoods, promoting rural preparedness through early warning systems, advancing water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, and providing critical support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Chapagain thanked the Government of Zimbabwe for its strong partnership with the IFRC and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry through the Department of Civil Protection.
He said the IFRC is expanding its focus on urban disaster preparedness and emphasised the importance of “early warning, early financing and early action” in reducing the impact of disasters on communities.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment between Zimbabwe and the IFRC to building resilient communities through enhanced disaster risk management and sustained humanitarian cooperation.