The UK has committed more than US$15 million for this second phase. This makes the UK the biggest single donor to the ZimFund and comes on top of a previous contribution of over US$15 million.
Australia has committed over US$10 million, making Australia one of the top donors to the ZimFund. This follows US$10 million provided by Australia to the ZimFund in 2010..
The programme, managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will enhance access to affordable and reliable electricity and clean water, particularly in a number of urban areas such as Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa, and Redcliff. It will allow 700,000 households to access more reliable power, nearly 4 million people to have more reliable and effective water supply and sanitation and increase the level of water revenue collection by 20% in the target municipalities.
Tendai Biti MP, Minister of Finance, said: “This generous contribution from the UK and Australia will ensure millions more Zimbabweans have access to an improved water source, reliable sanitation and reliable electricity which in turn will promote economic growth and poverty reduction”
AfDB Resident Representative Mahamudu Bawumia said ‘This is excellent news and a vote of confidence in the work of the AfDB and the Zim-Fund to improve the lives of millions of Zimbabweans.”
Dave Fish, Head of DFID Zimbabwe, said: ‘This, our second contribution to the Zim-Fund, is another example of the UK’s commitment to the people of Zimbabwe. Rehabilitation of infrastructure is essential for the promotion of economic growth which will enable the country to realise its full potential.’
The Australian Ambassador, Mr Matthew Neuhaus said: “Australia’s further support to the Zim Fund is a clear demonstration of our commitment to help improve the lives of Zimbabweans through better access to clean water and more reliable power supply for the delivery of basic services”.
For further information on DFID Zimbabwe Programmes please visit www.dfid.gov.uk
Post published in: News