PRESS STATEMENT
by Hon S. Kasukuwere MP, Minister of Local Government; Public Works and National Housing
DECLARATION OF STATE OF DISASTER: EL NINO PHENOMENON INDUCED
DROUGHT DISASTER 2015/16 RAINFALL SEASON
1. Subsection (1) of section 27 of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10 : 06]; provides that if at any time it appears to the President that any disaster is of such a nature and extent that extraordinary measures are necessary to assist and protect the persons affected or likely to be affected by the disaster in any area of the country, the President may, in such a manner as he considers fit, declare that, with effect from a date specified by him, a state of disaster exists within an area or areas specified by him in the declaration.
2. The seasonal outlook indicated from the outset that the 2015/ 16 rainfall season for Zimbabwe was likely to experience normal to below normal rainfall throughout the country. This weather condition has been brought about by the El Nino phenomenon. This phenomenon is highly associated with droughts and prolonged dry spells in most Sub-Sahara n countries. Consequently, over 95% of the country has received less than 75% of what they would have received by this time of the year.
3. Generally, the cropping season started late in all provinces and some parts of the country have yet to receive significant rains for planting. The maize crop condition has been adversely affected with much as 75% write off in Masvingo Province ant 65% write off in Matabeleland South Province. The maize crop condition in other provinces ranges from poor to fair and largely at vegetative stage.
4. Initial indications from the 2015 ZIMVAC report were that 1.5 million people were food insecure with all the 60 rural districts being affected in varying degrees. Furthermore, preliminary indications from the 2016 ZIMVAC report are that provinces with the highest proportion of the food insecure population include Matabeleland North at 40%, Midlands at 30%, Mashonaland East at 17%, and Mashonaland Central at 21%. Overall the food insecure population has since risen to 2,444 000, 26% of the population.
5. Dam levels are decreasing due to the poor rainfall season and the national average is currently 51.1% full. All the catchments are below expected levels for this time of the year except for Manyame and Mazowe. Runde catchment is lowest at 27.4%. Boreholes are drying up particularly in the southern provinces and 31 Yoare non functional. Livestock have to move in excess of five kilometers in search of water.
6. Grazing is expected to improve in areas currently receiving rains. However, livestock prices have dropped significantly in some areas. The problem has been compounded by outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in some of these areas. Cumulative livestock deaths as a result of the drought are currently at 16,681with Masvingo Province beingthe highest at 6, 566.
7. Given the foregoing demonstration on the magnitude of the significant impacts and the continued threat of the El Nino phenomenon induced drought, His Excellency, the President has declared a State of Disaster in regard to severely affected areas in communal and resettlement lands of Zimbabwe effective from 2"d February, 2016.
8. The Declaration seeks to ensure that urgent priority be given to mobilization of resources to alleviate suffering from the impacts of drought particularly;
- To undertake the tasks of ensuring and supervising the programme of effective delivery of relief supplies for people and livestock as well as the Emergency Irrigation Program among other programs through the guidance of a drought response plan.
- To nurture linkages with the private sector, development partners and NonGovernmental Agencies to ensure a well coordinated response to minimize distress and suffering caused by the drought.
- To develop an early recovery plan and ensure reduction of the risk to drought in the future through a robust drought mitigation framework.
Issued on the 4th February, 2016
