CPU evacuates families in Gokwe

Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Authorities in Gokwe have started evacuating families living in low-lying areas and along riverbanks as the district takes precautionary measures against possible floods predicted by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD). The MSD warned of possible floods in the cotton farming area due to incessant rains expected this week.

As a result, authorities have been holding marathon meetings looking for possible ways of saving lives.
Gokwe North district administrator, who also chairs the district’s Civil Protection Unit, Mr Isaac Mutambara said they had already started moving families who might be affected in case of floods.

“We have started moving families that are staying in low lying areas and other areas that might be easily affected like river banks,” he said. “We are working hand in glove with the provincial CPU who are also assisting us in implementing the action plan.”

Mr Mutambara said they were facing resistance from some families who were refusing to abandon their fertile land.
“We have a few families living along Ume and Umbe Rivers,” he said.

“The soils there are regarded as fertile and they are refusing to abandon the fertile land. We are, therefore, engaging traditional leaders to help in knocking some sense in them before disaster strikes.”

Mr Mutambara said they had already started receiving assistance from non-governmental organisations and Government departments towards the possible disaster.
“We have Arda who have come in to offer different services in the area,” he said.

“We also have teachers and Agritex officers who have been trained by Government on disaster risk management and have been deployed across the district. They have already begun sensitising villagers, as some are refusing to leave their fertile settlements.”

Gokwe South district administrator Mr Stewart Gwatirinda said although they were yet to evacuate villagers, plans were underway to do so soon.

“We have been holding constant meetings on how best to prepare for the disaster,” he said.