African Development Bank pledges US$50 million for post cyclone relief
An international pledging conference to finance the reconstruction of parts of cyclone-hit Mozambique took place in the city of Beira last week.
Multilateral development agencies, intentional organisations, government representatives, the private sector and civil society gathered at the conference aimed at soliciting financial support for the effort.
The combined impact of Cyclone Idai in central Mozambique and Cyclone Kenneth in the north a few weeks later, caused widespread destruction and affected the livelihoods of 2 million people in Mozambique alone.
In his keynote address Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi appealed to development partners to support the country’s reconstruction and said they will lead the international efforts to mitigate climate change through better management of its forests and oceans and will develop financial instruments to reduce climate risk for the communities.
Speaking on behalf of African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, Pietro Toigo, Country Manager for Mozambique said the currently pledge is an initial contribution to reconnect communicates to markets and services and kick-start livelihoods. “We aim to be a long term partner for the reconstruction of Mozambique and to provide intellectual and technical leadership to the reconstruction effort,” he add.
The call received a strong respons from develoment partners, who pledged a total of US$1.2 billion to the reconstruction efforts. The African Development Bank will make US$50 million immediately available for Mozambique, as part of a regional response program that will also benefit Malawi and Zimbabwe, the other two countries affected by Idai.
Around 140 000 people were displaced, 240 000 families had their homes totally or partially destroyed and 1.4 million people were left in need of urgent food assistance. Damage to socio-economic infrastructure was significant, with 3 500km of national roads and 10 200km of electricity distribution lines significantly damaged, with almost 1 400 school building were affected.
