$35m for Tropical Storm Ana victims

Rudo Mandiro

The Government has disbursed more than $35 million to provide relief to communities affected by Tropical Storm Ana which hit parts of the country last month.

The tropical storm left a trail of destruction in six provinces where up to 1 345 houses were destroyed, while several public buildings and roads were also damaged.

Statistics from the Department of Civil Protection show that 282 houses were destroyed in seven districts under Manicaland province, while 639 houses suffered adverse damage in two districts in Masvingo province.

In Mashonaland Central province, 275 houses were damaged, while a further 143 were destroyed in Matabeleland South.

In an interview, CPU director Mr Nathan Nkomo said the Government, with the support from development partners, is mobilising more resources to assist affected communities.

“In line with the principle of building back better houses, sensitisation of communities to adhere to building standards in the construction of houses has been intensified with the aim of reducing vulnerability to the extreme weather events during the current rainfall season,” he said.

“Since we are still in the rainy season, the department has all co-ordination structures at national and sub-national level activated to respond to the cyclone impact on the rainfall season while provincial meteorological officers continue to monitor alerts.”

The Government has availed 50 tonnes of grain to each of the ten provinces for distribution in affected communities.

“In light of the reopening of schools,
alternative evacuation centres such as
community halls and churches were identified.

“Zupco was engaged to be on standby to ferry people to evacuation centres and in areas like Muzarabani where the roads are slippery, tractors will be on standby to ferry people.

“All provinces, after receiving express authority from the principals, are receiving 50 tonnes of grain from the Grain Marketing Board and this will be managed by the Secretaries for Provincial Affairs and Devolution to avoid diversion and pilferage.”

At least 300 refugee housing unit tents and 50 family tents were mobilised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and distributed to all affected provinces.

Priority was also given to teachers’ accommodation in light of schools opening.