Lifeline for flood victims as Chinese govt donates $8 000

HARARE - ABOUT 4 000 families displaced by flash floods in the Tokwe-Mukosi flood basin in Masvingo last year were yesterday presented with an $8 000 cash donation from the Chinese government.

The money was handed over to Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) secretary-general Maxwell Phiri by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin at a function held in the capital, Harare.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Lin Lin said the donation was part of China's efforts to improve locals' livelihoods with the Asian country having injected over $100 million for the same cause for the past three years.

"This donation is another showcase of China's commitment to our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters," Lin Lin said.

He said his government would continue rendering its support to Zimbabwe.

"China will continue to do what it can to contribute to the improvement of the livelihood of Zimbabwean people."

Phiri commended the Chinese government for the donation.

"This donation will go a long way in assisting the victims particularly at a time where most players had withdrawn their support," Phiri said.

The Chinese community in Zimbabwe was among the first to respond to the floods disaster, raising about $40 000 and some valuable goods for the victims.

The families were initially dumped at Chingwizi transit camp before they were allocated one-hectare plots at the nearby Nuanetsi ranch with bare minimum material support from government.