ACT Appeal Zimbabwe: Response to forced evictions - AFZW51

Appeal Target: US$ 501,323
Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: US$ 435,691

Geneva, 15 July 2005

Dear Colleagues,

ACT members Christian Aid, Lutheran Development Services, Christian Care and Christian Aid’s implementing partner Zimbabwe Christian Council, are submitting this urgent appeal to respond to the consequences of the ongoing Operation Restore Order (ORO), which began on 19 May 2005, when police descended on informal traders operating in central business district of Harare. ORO soon spread to Bulawayo and Mutare.

By May 23 the police had begun demolishing homes, backyard add-on structures, small cottages and various brick and wooden structures nationally. People were instructed by police to break down their own homes. Most people could only do their best to salvage asbestos roof sheets, metal window frames and doors. In some areas, the police used bulldozers. The operations were in some cases swift, with no time for people to prepare, while in others, a few warnings were given. In all cases people were told to go back to their rural homes.

Zimbabwe is in the grip of an unusually cold winter season with temperatures dropping dramatically at night, particularly in Harare, where the largest numbers of people are affected. One Christian Aid staff member reported that dispossessed householders in one area have dug small holes in the ground where they sleep at night to guard against the bitter cold.

This appeal will be implemented for a three-month period. It will address urgent needs by improving the nutritional and living conditions of up to 14,500 displaced people sheltering in Transit Camps and churches in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Zvishavane, and Gweru, through the distribution of food, shelter and other relief items to the most needy. There are also some livelihood and HIV/AIDS activities to ensure that the programme addresses rehabilitation.

ACT Zimbabwe members are also preparing to submit a second Appeal AFZW-52 to follow AFZW-41, to address the alarming food crisis in the country.

Name of ACT member/partners:

- Christian Care

- Lutheran Development Services

- Christian Aid/ Zimbabwe Council of Churches

Project Completion Date: 15 September 2005

*From the International Organisation for Migration World Food Programme General Distribution Food Relief Assistance.

** Christian Aid has given an advance amounting to US$43,750 to Christian Care.

Signed by:

Jessie Kgoroeadira
Acting Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office