Australia Provides Further Support To Rebuild Zimbabwe

Australia Provides Further Support to Rebuild Zimbabwe

Australia will provide a further $6 million to help rebuild Zimbabwe.

This includes $2 million to the Protracted Relief Programme co-funded with the United Kingdom Department for International Development for the procurement of seeds and fertiliser for the coming season.

This assistance will help Zimbabwe's transition from emergency food aid to longer term agricultural sustainability.

Australia will also provide $2 million to Australian Non-Government Organisations World Vision, Oxfam and Caritas to help restore water and sanitation services in small towns and rural centres.

$1 million will also be provided to UNICEF for essential water and sanitation assessments and water treatment.

The repair and rehabilitation of Zimbabwe's water and sanitation system is essential for Zimbabwe's return to economic growth and to stop further outbreaks of cholera.

Australia is looking at further steps to assist Zimbabwe, including technical assistance in areas such areas such as health, education and agriculture.

In March this year, I announced $10 million in support for health, water and sanitation in Zimbabwe.

At the time of his inauguration Australia reinforced our commitment to support Prime Minister Tsvangirai and his Ministers to rebuild Zimbabwe.

Today's announcement is another step by Australia in supporting peace, stability and recovery in Zimbabwe so that the people of Zimbabwe are given the best chance possible for a better life.

Media Contacts:

Mr Smith's Office:
Courtney Hoogen
02 6277 7500
0488 244901

Departmental
AusAID Public Affairs
0417 680 590


SOURCE: AusAID