§ 11. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on relief operations in Mozambique. [115440]
§ Clare ShortThe search and rescue phase is over. Relief operations continue to progress as access improves under the co-ordination of the Government of Mozambique with support from the United Nations. The priority remains to stabilise the conditions of the flood-affected population by providing sufficient shelter, food, water, sanitation and healthcare both in accommodation centres and also to those returning to their homes.
We have allocated a total of £20 million for humanitarian assistance to those affected by the floods. This money is being channelled both to ensure the effective continuation of relief efforts, but also to start immediate work on establishing emergency physical access through repairs to roads and bridges, rehabilitating health and education services and also to help re-establish the livelihoods of the affected population.
We are assessing the need for additional longer-term support. We expect to concentrate on feeder roads, seeds and small livestock restocking and on strengthening planning in health and education. We already have plans to spend around £70 million over the next two years. This can be increased if necessary. We will attend the proposed donor conference on reconstruction in Rome at the end of April.
§ 14. Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's plans for longer-term reconstruction and development in Mozambique. [115443]
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§ Clare ShortWe have already committed £70 million to our development programme in Mozambique over the next two years. We are currently assessing how our plans should be modified to help Mozambique recover from the recent crisis.