2019 an eventful year for Zimbabwe as economy continues to struggle

In Zimbabwe, the tropical cyclone killed more than 260 people and affected more than 270 000 others mainly in Manicaland Province to the south-east where livestock, crops, schools, bridges and other infrastructure were destroyed.

The government, together with United Nations agencies in April launched an appeal for US$60 million to help the affected people who were in dire need of food, shelter, water and sanitation.

The US$60 million was on top of a US$234 million appeal for 2.2 million of the over 5 million people who were also in need of food, water and sanitation following the serious drought in the 2018/19 season.

The World Food Program announced on Wednesday that nearly 8 million people in Zimbabwe will be hungry come January.

GDP is projected to grow by 3 percent with Mnangagwa assuring Zimbabweans that the worst was over and that the future promised a prosperous economy for everyone.

Speaking in the City of Mutare at the commissioning of an urban renewal project mid December, Mnangagwa acknowledged that the “austerity for prosperity” measures implemented by his government had caused suffering among the populace.

“Our policies have created problems, but we are certain of where we are going. To achieve our goal we have to take measures which are painful, but it will pass and everyone will be happy.

“Nothing comes cheaply. We have to tighten our belts and I am happy that the worst is over! The bad is past us. Things are going to improve,” he said.

The government is also importing grain to supplement its stocks but will need more international support to ensure that citizens are food secure.

Many farmers already fear that the current agriculture season will also be bad after poor rains in the first half while weather experts have predicted that the second one will have normal to below normal rainfall. –Xinhua

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