When complete, the policy will go a long way towards tackling climate change effects such as drought and other natural disasters. In 2000, the country experienced a series of floods with Muzarabani and the eastern region being the worst affected.
However, it took a long time for victims to be helped due to the lack of a climate change policy. Areas like Mberengwa and Beitbridge, which have become perennial drought areas due to climate change, are yet to benefit from effective government attention.
Washington Zhakata, the Climate Change Coordinator in the ministry, said the climate change policy would mark a turning point in the history of the country.
“The policy will significantly compel the government to set aside resources for climate change,” he said.
Mufaro Tamanikwa of the Institute of Environmental Studies has been given the mandate to draft the policy and said the document would be people-driven.
“In two weeks’ time we will take the first draft of the document to Bulawayo where there will be consultations. The stakeholders will say what they want included,” he said.
However, he could not be drawn into giving a timeline for the completion of the policy.
Post published in: News