Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
FOLLOWING warnings of heavy rains and potential flooding in Matabeleland region and the Midlands province, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has urged school authorities to assess the situation before dismissing learners from school to avoid loss of life.
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Matabeleland and the Midlands province are expected to receive heavy rains exceeding 70 millimetres between today and tomorrow.
The MSD has said the rains are likely to cause flooding in flood-prone areas with members of the public as well as motorists, being urged to desist from crossing flooded rivers.
Head of the CPU in Bulawayo, who is also the acting provincial director in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mrs Tsvagai Fikile Marovatsanga said they asked provincial education official to engage school authorities so that they assess the situation each day before dismissing pupils.
She said the school authorities should also warn pupils against crossing flooded rivers or streams.
“We also made it clear that no leaner, especially those in Early Childhood Development, must be dismissed from school when it’s raining or had just rained until it has been ascertained that it’s safe to do so,” she said.
Her counterpart in Matabeleland South Mr Zacharia Jusa said they also informed provincial education officials that once it rains, teachers must assess the situation before dismissing learners.
“If it is not safe for the learners to be dismissed, the school authorities must contact the CPU for assistance,” said Mr Jusa.
Last Friday, Pamela Ncube (5) from Donkwe Donkwe Primary School in Kezi, Matobo district, Matabeleland South was swept away by a flooded stream while on her way home from school in the company of her classmates who managed to cross the stream.
Since the start of the 2024/25 rainy season,
40 people have lost their lives due to rain related incidents, including seven minors who drowned.
The CPU said a total of 901 households have been affected with Midlands province recording the highest figure of 439 followed by Manicaland province with 189.
