President declares floods state of disaster

President Mugabe has declared the floods that affected the southern parts of the country a state of disaster amid revelations that $80 million is required to repair roads and bridges destroyed by the rains.

Yesterday Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo confirmed the development and said a statement will be released today. The declaration will enable the Government to mobilise the required resources to assist the thousands of people affected by the floods mostly in the southern part of the country.

Minister Gumbo said his ministry had engaged the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing as well as the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) to mobilise the required $80 million to repair damaged roads and bridges. He said apart from the road network, Government had a task to repair damaged dams, schools and clinics while families also needed assistance to rebuild destroyed homes.