CPU provides funds to build homes for flood victims

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
THE Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has provided more than $45 000 towards building homes for Bulilima District flood victims to pave way for the relocation of villagers affected by floods early this year.

Villagers located close to Bulilima District’s major rivers: Manzamnyama, Thekwane and Maitengwe had their homes destroyed by floods.

Matjinge and Nswazwi clinics were also damaged by floods.

Bulilima District Administrator Mrs Ethel Moyo said they had received the money from the CPU and construction of the homesteads was set to begin soon.

“We have received $45, 640 from the Civil Protection Unit head office for our relocation plan. This money will go towards constructing two roomed houses for each family.

“For starters, we will build 11 homesteads in Huwana and Bambadzi Wards. The construction process is expected to start soon,” she said.

Mrs Moyo said sites for the new homesteads have been identified in the two wards.

The Bulilima CPU committee recently engaged affected villagers over plans to relocate them but some are refusing to be moved.

Headman Manguba whose jurisdiction covers Huwana Ward said some of the villagers were resisting relocation as they wanted to live close to a reliable water source which is Manzamnyama River while others wanted to continue staying at their old homes for cultural reasons.

Recently, the Deputy Minister of Local Government Public Works and National Housing, Cde Christopher Chingosho, said Matabeleland South Province was the second affected province in the country after Matabeleland North with 32 deaths having been recorded as a result of drowning and lightning strikes. He said 52 percent of these deaths were recorded in Insiza District while 2 348 people were rendered homeless in the province with 57 percent of these being from Umzingwane District. Cde Chingosho also said 357 households in the province suffered livestock loss while 1 436 suffered crop losses. A total of 48 schools within the province were also destroyed.

@DubeMatutu