adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A HAILSTORM accompanied by strong winds destroyed homesteads, shops and schools in Bikita and Chiredzi leaving about 200 families homeless and several pupils stranded.Bikita chief executive officer, Johnson Mupamhadzi, yesterday said two shops at Nyika Growth Point under Chief Mukangawi area had their roofing blown off and part of the buildings destroyed when the storm hit the area on Saturday at around 3PM.
He said stock worth several thousands of dollars was also destroyed.
Mupamhadzi said the Zanu-PF office also had its roof blown off.
“Two shops, a supermarket and Izolo Bottle Store as well as Zanu-PF offices had their roofs blown off by strong winds and hailstorm destroying a lot of stock. All the perishable goods from the supermarket were destroyed. Although owners of the affected shops were still costing the damaged goods, the loss could be worth several thousands of dollars.
“The roofing to the supermarket was completely removed and goods destroyed. More than 90 villagers were left stranded as their homesteads were also destroyed,” he said.
Mupamhadzi said Boora Primary School and a number of surrounding homesteads under Chief Budzi were also destroyed leaving pupils stranded and villagers homeless. “There could be more buildings that were affected by the hailstorm and strong winds but I only received information relating to Boora primary and homesteads in that area. We’re still waiting for the actual cost of the damage suffered but I can confirm that there’re no casualties as of now,” he said.
Masvingo Provincial Administrator, Felix Chikovo, was still to receive a report from Bikita.
He, however, said he learnt of yet another hailstorm that left a trail of destruction in Chiredzi district.
“I haven’t yet received the Bikita report but I can confirm I received the one that happened in Chiredzi’s Save area in Ward 2 and 4.
“This occurred on Sunday around the same time and 76 homes are said to have been destroyed by the hailstorm accompanied by strong winds. I also received a report this morning to the effect that another 33 homesteads were destroyed bringing the number to 109. A school called Mupinga Primary had its roof blown off and I’m told repairs are underway. There were also several clinics affected and I’ll get the full details tomorrow (today),” he said.
Chikovo said as the Provincial Civil Protection Unit (CPU) they had appealed to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for assistance.
“We’ve appealed to the NGOs through National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), to render assistance. We hope affected families will get the much needed help through various organisations. We’re also having a meeting with the national CPU today and we will brief them on the obtaining situation,” he said.
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