UK relief and development agency Tearfund is launching an emergency appeal to support Zimbabwe churches bringing help to the poorest families affected by Zimbabwe’s spiralling crisis.
Many have gone without food for weeks with even basic items unavailable in shops. The World Food Programme has warned that over three million people are at risk of severe food shortages.“People are living on nothing more than cups of tea with the last of their maize meal now gone,” says Peter Grant, Tearfund’s International Director. “Churches are working tirelessly to bridge the gap, meeting the acute need. Despite the spiralling economic crisis they are bringing relief and hope. But they urgently need our help for this work to continue. That’s why Tearfund is appealing.”
The crisis in Bulawayo has seen people scavenging for filthy water from hand dug pits and broken pipes. Of the five reservoirs that supply Zimbabwe’s second largest city, four are now decommissioned having run dry.
Tearfund has already provided funding for Churches in Bulawayo who are managing 20 water distribution tanks (5000 litres each). More tanks are needed to supply communities with essential clean water when the mains supply is cut to just a few hours a week.
“This is a desperate situation,” says Mannymore, a church pastor in Bulawayo’s western suburbs. “They need water. We have taken the responsibility of the government, making sure there is enough food and water. But it’s very difficult.
“We are thirsty for everything now. When people hear about maize meal the whole community will come to the place. The situation is terrible. There is no food - just no food.”
