The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has officially handed over a waiting mothers' shelter and other key community facilities to the government at Runyararo Settlement in Ward 7, Chimanimani, marking another milestone in efforts to rebuild communities affected by Cyclone Idai.
The facilities were developed under the Strengthening Protection, Resilience and Preparedness for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Host Communities in Zimbabwe Project, and are expected to improve maternal health services, strengthen community protection systems, and enhance resilience among displaced families and their host communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, ZCC general secretary, RWilfred Dimingu, said the achievements demonstrated the value of partnerships between the church, government, and development partners. "Sustainable impact is achieved when institutions work together, combining their different strengths," he said.
Dimingu said the project had gone beyond infrastructure development by supporting livelihoods through livestock pass-on schemes introduced in November, which are already helping to improve household resilience and economic recovery.
He, however, acknowledged that rebuilding resilient communities remains an ongoing process.
"Despite the significant progress made, gaps still exist in fully addressing the vulnerabilities faced by the community,” Dimingu said.
“ZCC remains committed to engaging development partners and mobilising resources to sustain and expand this important work.”
The handover was led by the bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, Eric Ruwona, on behalf of the ZCC.
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Ruwona said the church's mission extends beyond spiritual ministry to restoring dignity, hope, and practical support for vulnerable communities.
"These facilities represent safety, dignity, access to essential services and strengthened protection systems within the Runyararo community," he said. "They are a true reflection of faith in action."
He urged the community, traditional leaders, and government to safeguard the infrastructure, stressing that lasting development depends on responsible stewardship.
"Development is not only about what is handed over, but about how it is preserved and utilised for future generations," Ruwona said.
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza—represented by Joseph Mashingaidze—commended the ZCC for partnering with the government in rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of families displaced by Cyclone Idai in 2019.
He encouraged residents to protect the facilities and praised the collaborative approach involving various government ministries and departments in supporting recovery efforts.
The project was implemented with financial support from Act for Peace and the Australian government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Programme.
