The fund was set up by Zambezi River Authority in 1997 to finance the implementation of sustainable infrastructural and developmental projects meant to alleviate the impact of the displacement of the Tonga/KoreKore people on both sides of the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe (communities displaced during construction of the Kariba Dam).
Objectives of the fund include:
- To raise funds for specific and sustainable projects meant to alleviate the impact of the displacement of people of the Zambezi river basin in Zambia and Zimbabwe who were removed during the construction of Kariba Dam.
- To address issues pertaining to project financing, human resources training and project administration for the communities in both countries.
- To implement, administer and supervise the said specific and sustainable projects.
ZVDF has funded various infrastructural and developmental projects which include:
- Procurement and installation of Grinding Mills
- Sinking of Boreholes
- Construction of schools and houses for support staff in respective project sites
- Construction of clinics and houses for support staff in respective project sites
- Construction and rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes
- Supply of medical equipment
- Construction of bridges
- Rehabilitation of dams
- Rehabilitation of water reticulation systems.
ZVDF has implemented projects in the following districts:
| Zambia | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Chirundu | Binga |
| Gwembe | Gokwe North |
| Kalomo | Hurungwe |
| Siavonga | Kariba |
| Sinazongwe | |
| Zimba |