15 May 2008
Ndola — VICE-President Rupiah Banda has commended three donors for giving Zambia more than US$500,000 and goods worth $100,000 towards the mitigation of the impact of floods.
Mr Banda said without the assistance from cooperating partners, it was going to be difficult to meet the demands of those affected by floods in various parts of the country.
He was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when he received donations from India, Botswana, US and Tazama Pipelines Limited. The donations were made at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).
Mr Banda said the donations would go a long way in strengthening the DMMU's capacity to respond effectively to the various outcomes of floods.
He said that the Government had a long-term disaster management and mitigation programme which would be transparent and accommodating to all donors.
He said that Zambia appreciated the role India, Botswana and the US had continued to play in assisting Zambia on various developmental programmes and urged others to emulate them.
Mr Banda said being prone to disasters, India provided good lessons and that Zambia intended to improve its relations in the area of disaster management and mitigation with the Asian nation.
On Botswana's donation, Mr Banda commended the country for coming to the aid of Zambia in addressing the impact of floods.
Mr Banda further paid tribute to the US for its continued support since Zambia's independence.
He said the Tazama Pipelines Limited deserved special recognition for contributing to the welfare of flood victims.
Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, River O'Wallang said his government was committed to working with the Zambian Government in addressing disasters such as floods.
Mr Wallang who presented a cheque worth $250,000 said his government was ready to assist Zambia in other sectors.
Botswana High Commissioner to Zambia, Tuelonyana Oliphant said the donation was part of her country's 2016 vision, which called for assistance of those in need.
Ms Oliphant who presented a cheque of 500,000 pula ($276,000) said her country was committed to partnering with Zambia to find a lasting solution for people affected by floods.
US ambassador to Zambia, Carmen Martinez hailed the Zambian Government leadership for the way it handled the crisis.
She handed over 5,000 blankets, 565 tarpaulins, 1,000 water buckets and containers, 1,000 sanitary towels and an assortment of hand tools that included wheelbarrows, shovels and hoes worth $100,000.
Tazama managing director, Largeman Muzelenga said his company was committed to supplementing the Government's effort by donating 201 blankets which he said could be used by affected families as the country was approaching the cold season.
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