Government has adopted immediate measures to assist communities affected by the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, with key measures primarily focusing on the following four main areas including Humanitarian Relief and Psychosocial Support; Recovery and Resilience Building; Transport and Infrastructure Development; and Community Training in Disaster Risk Reduction.
Speaking during this Tuesday’s post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said efforts under humanitarian relief and psychosocial support include deploying skilled personnel on mental health support, providing emergency supplies, protecting children, and promoting education.
“Resilience initiatives are focusing on expanding economic opportunities, vocational training, and rebuilding community assets.
“Infrastructure plans are emphasising road repairs, vessel replacement, establishing affordable ferry services, and improving early warning systems with weather stations, drones and communication tools.
“A comprehensive emergency response plan has been prioritised, alongside improving community amenities and access to water and sanitation.
Training programmes in water safety, first aid and disaster preparedness have also been prioritised, while timely disbursement of the National Civil Protection Fund and capacity building through collaboration with educational institutions are being emphasised.”
