Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Sunday News Reporter
People from Bengo area in Ward 14, Gwanda District, are appealing for assistance to repair damaged infrastructure at Bengo Secondary School after a recent violent thunderstorm hit the area, disrupting lessons and leaving learners stranded.
The storm, which was accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains, last week blew off the roof of a classroom block and damaged several other structures, including nearby homesteads.
Ward 14 councillor, Ntuthuko Mabulala, said about US$10 000 is needed to repair the damaged infrastructure. He said the community has resolved to mobilise local resources while appealing to well-wishers and the corporate world for support.
“The winds caused a lot of damage at Bengo Secondary School and the nearby community. The roof of a classroom block was blown away,” he said.
Clr Mabulala said the affected classroom block was being used by classes that are wiriting exams.
He said it was crucial for the damaged structures to be repaired urgently since many learners from surrounding villages depend on Bengo Secondary School as there are only two secondary schools in the ward. The other secondary school in the ward is Manama Mission School which is a boarding school that charges higher fees, which many parents cannot afford.
Gwanda District Disaster Risk Reduction focal person, Mr Awakhiwe Moyo, said the storm caused extensive destruction to both school infrastructure and property.
“On 27 October 2025, at approximately 4PM, a severe hailstorm hit Bengo Secondary School, resulting in significant damage to the school’s infrastructure,” he said.
“One classroom block had its roof completely blown off, affecting a nearby block. Furniture, textbooks, teachers’ files, and other teaching materials in the affected classrooms were destroyed.”
The incident has resulted in three classes being left without classrooms. Mr Moyo said the disruption will likely impact the learning environment.
He added that other facilities, including the school’s jojo tank, water pipes, garden fence and farming project, were also damaged.
Mr Moyo said the Civil Protection Committee has started assessments and will provide support to ensure the school resumes normal operations as soon as possible. He added that long-term measures such as planting trees to act as windbreak could help reduce future damage.
“Our civil protection committee and disaster risk reduction structures have been trained and equipped with knowledge that will be crucial especially at this time when we are expecting rains. We want community members to play a part in mitigating and preventing disasters,” he said.
The incident comes as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of increased thunderstorm activity in most parts of Matabeleland South as the rainy season begins. — @DubeMatutu.
