By Fungai Chiposi | In the midst of this year’s particularly dry season in Zimbabwe, Cyclone Idai landed in Mozambique and severely affected Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, in particular Chimanimani area. Thousands of people were left homeless and hundreds of lives lost.
Outside of the Tokwe-Mukosi dam disaster, which in a way was self-inflicted as people were not moved earlier from the new dam catchment area, Zimbabwe has mostly experienced disasters in the transport sector. Idai was the second notable cyclone to hit our borders.
Notably, it was not the last in the same season; Cyclone Kenneth did not reach us but wrecked havoc very close by in Mozambique. It is therefore logical to state that we have not seen the worst of these cyclones. With changing weather patterns, we are likely to see more and stronger cyclones landing in Zimbabwe.
After Cyclone Idai landed in Chimanimani, there was a huge outpouring of support from Zimbabweans, both at home and from the diaspora. The nation rallied around the disaster with individuals, civic and corporate organisations giving generously. Donations were made through various individuals, churches, civic organisations and government ministries.
All those who donated only had one intention in their actions; provide relief to fellow countryfolk in a time of great need. Sadly, rumours have been circulating indicating that donated goods and funds were and are being looted or distributed along political lines. This is indeed very heart breaking.
Our budding democracy needs this opportunity to grow stronger. Our listening President, who is the President of all citizens of Zimbabwe, must order the Auditor General’s office to audit all donations and systems that came into play during this disaster. Every donated cent and banana must be accounted for.
The report must be immediately made public so that the nation learns for the future. Systems to handle future disasters must be put in place and guidelines made public. Creation of a disaster fund is of utmost importance. Earmarking independent response organisations will quickly mobilise resources in future.
An audit of Cyclone Idai disaster will also assure citizens that their money and goods were put to good and intended use and thus motivate them to help more in future. Distribution of relief and disaster assistance donations along political lines should be a thing of the past. The international community should rest assured that all their help will be used as intended and accounted for.
The Auditor-general must not focus only on government ministries but everyone who played a part in receiving donations for and behalf of Cyclone Idai survivors. Irregularities must be highlighted and if need be, prosecuted. Political parties who politicised donations they did not collect must be cautioned and penalties put in place for the future.
As for all those who donated, it is your right to enquire as to how your donation was used. Asking for clarity on donations is not being disrespectful. It actually makes our democracy stronger, by holding those who step up to lead accountable. Every dollar is precious and must be utilised correctly.
Cyclone Idai was a frightening experience that rocked our usually safe lives and took countless lives. Let us honour those lives by taking precious lessons from this episode. More of these cyclones are heading our way in future, let us be better prepared in every manner possible.
By Fungai Chiposi
Community Development Activist
Former Independent Candidate for MP
Southerton Constituency
Email: [email protected]