Zimbabwe - £60 million support from UK

22 June 2009

A £60 million package of UK support for the people of Zimbabwe will be crucial in helping the country get back on its feet, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said today.

The announcement was made by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, during a meeting with Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai at Number 10 Downing Street this morning.

International Development Secretary Mr Alexander said:

“Our £60million package will provide support directly to Zimbabwe’s poorest people.

“Our assistance has already helped one million people in Zimbabwe get access to clean water and has enabled two million to grow more food, as well as helping get the worst cholera outbreak in the country’s history under control.

“The new inclusive Zimbabwean Government presents a real opportunity to help the Zimbabwean people and to support economic, political and social reform. We stand ready to provide more support should we see further progress towards reform.”

The DFID money will not pass through the Government of Zimbabwe, or the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, rather it will be channelled through non-governmental organisations or the United Nations.

The £60 million pounds will include £4 million for food security, and £1 million towards text books for Zimbabwean schoolchildren, to address the shortage of materials in the country’s newly reopened schools.

The rest of the money will be spent on meeting humanitarian and other essential needs.