National

US gives Zimbabwe US$6m to fight Covid-19

Published

4 years ago

October 8, 2021

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has provided US$6 million towards Zimbabwe’s on-going response to the Covid-19 pandemic through Unicef to assist with infection prevention and control measures including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, and child protection interventions.

This support will build on Unicef’s overall role to enhance WASH in healthcare facilities as part of efforts to prevent Covid-19 infections.

USAID’s funding will reduce the risk of infection and improve access to care by upgrading WASH infrastructure for 75 health facilities, providing staff training on effective infection prevention and control, and supporting improved Covid-19 case management.

Furthermore, the funding will help Unicef scale-up their psychosocial support and referral services for at-risk children, women, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Unicef will sensitise adolescent girls and young women on available post-GBV support and promote uptake of the services, including the roll out of a new mobile application.

“The United States remains committed to responding to on-going healthcare and humanitarian needs,” said USAid/Zimbabwe Mission Director, Art Brown

“Together with our partners, USAid ensures healthcare facilities can continue to provide services in a safe environment for both healthcare workers and clients.

“We will also continue to protect those most vulnerable to the increased rates of gender-based violence that we have seen during the pandemic.”

The programme will mentor and train approximately 300 frontline healthcare workers on adherence to infection prevention and control best practices and Covid-19 case management guidelines, and support 100 facilities with personal protective equipment.

Unicef Zimbabwe representative Tajudeen Oyewale said Unicef was grateful to the United States, as part of the global collaborative effort, for the support to fight the pandemic in Zimbabwe.

“The availability of WASH in healthcare facilities, quality case management, and psychosocial support services will go a long way in the protection of all – particularly women and children who are greatly affected by the impacts of Covid-19,” Oyewale said.

“The funds provided will be invaluable to help continue supporting the country with an effective Covid-19 response.”

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.