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Pretoria - A £15m (R200m) package to help the people of Zimbabwe has been announced by the UK's international development secretary, Douglas Alexander, according to the
British High Commission in Pretoria on Friday.
The British statement said that this critical humanitarian aid will mean
increased support for the country's health system, greater access to clean
water and more support for struggling farmers in Zimbabwe.
The package will help address a number of urgent priorities identified
by Zimbabwe's new inclusive government and builds on existing UK support,
which amounted to £49m last year.
This UK assistance will help to strengthen distribution systems for
front-line health clinics with improved access to life-saving medication and
basic healthcare for vulnerable people. It will improve capacity to respond
to future health epidemics, and reduce the likelihood of large-scale cholera
outbreaks in the future by ensuring greater access to clean water.
The British aid will improve the supply and availability of food for up
to three million people by providing seeds and fertiliser, and boosting
smallholder farming, thereby reducing reliance on emergency food aid. It
will support the welfare of people who have been forced to leave their homes
and strengthen the capacity of national systems which provide essential
basic services.
The British minister said: "The welfare of the people of Zimbabwe remains a major concern, with the humanitarian situation continuing to cause great hardship for millions.
"The creation of a more inclusive government represents a real
opportunity for much-needed change. We welcome efforts by the new government
to deliver economic, social and political reform. Credible progress will
attract increasing support from donors and other partners to tackle the root
causes of Zimbabwe's problems."
The high commission emphasised that no UK money will pass through
government of Zimbabwe systems or through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
"The UK provided £49m towards humanitarian and other essential support in 2008/09. We expect to provide a similar amount in 2009/10, although this amount may be revised upwards as the new government of Zimbabwe demonstrates its commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and sound economic reform," the statement said, adding that UK
assistance is provided and used alongside other international donors.
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