[Glad to hear this. I just wish there was more ACTION, both from Zimbabweans themselves and also Governments outside Zim who support them. This is highly frustrating to watch. Jan]

NEWLY appointed Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Roxanne Dube, says she is “deeply concerned” about the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe and has called for goodwill “amongst all concerned to find the best way forward”.

Commissioning a $2.65 billion rehabilitation project at Dombwe Primary School in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province, Dube said widespread food insecurity and the damage caused by “Operation Murambatsvina”, were a major cause for concern.

“Canada is deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe and is committed to doing its part to help reduce the extent of food insecurity, hunger, malnutrition and diseases,” she said.

The envoy said she is currently taking part in the ongoing discussions between government and the United Nations “to find an appropriate response to the impact of Operation Murambatsvina”.

Jan Egeland, the UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs’ is expected to visit Zimbabwe next month as the world body seeks a solution to the humanitarian crisis caused by the clean up operation.

The school project, the first Dube has commissioned so far since taking over from John Schram two months ago, was initiated by the local community after realising that the dilapidated classroom blocks were a threat to children’s lives.

Mountain Lamazolo, the school’s headmaster, said the poor state of the buildings had led to an increase in pupils dropping out of school and teachers transferring to better schools.

Mashonaland West Governor, Nelson Samkange, expressed gratitude to the Canadians saying government would “continuously welcome such donations.”

From: Zimbabwe Standard (Harare)
Date: November 27, 2005

Source: AllAfrica.Com
URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/200511280515.htm…/p>