Council in Cyclone road reconstruction

Vusumuzi Dube, Municipal Reporter

BULAWAYO City Council will add on to the hordes of institutions that have been contributing to the reconstruction of areas damaged by Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani by seconding some machinery and personnel to assist in road infrastructure rehabilitation.

The cyclone has left over 100 people dead, over 500 people missing, businesses, homes and schools destroyed, with the Government declaring it a national disaster. BCC has responded to the call for a concerted effort in restoring the affected areas by dispatching two of its tipper trucks and personnel to be used in the road rehabilitation exercise. Posting on their official Facebook page the local authority revealed that they had also handed over blankets valued at $30 000.

“His Worship Solomon Mguni, the mayor today (Friday) handed over 526 blankets worth RTGs$30 000 for the people affected by Cyclone Idai. The handover was done at the Oasis Church which will assist with the transportation of council’s donation to the affected areas. He also handed over donations that have been collected in various wards in the city. Bulawayo City Council is also assisting with two tipper trucks and personnel to assist in road infrastructure rehabilitation in the Chimanimani and Chipinge districts. Council will be funding the upkeep of plant and equipment up to a value of RTGs$20 000 in a response co-ordinated by the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe,” reads the post.

Commenting on the gesture by the local authority, council senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the revival efforts of the two affected districts was a challenge for every Zimbabwean hence the move by the local authority also to contribute towards the noble cause.

“The City of Bulawayo has seen it fit to contribute towards the people who were affected by Cyclone Idai, we note that the massive destruction on of property and infrastructure in the Chimanimani and Chipinge districts require a concerted effort from all local authorities, Bulawayans and Zimbabweans alike, to assist in the revival and rehabilitation of these communities,” said Mrs Mpofu.