Expecting mothers stranded after storm ravages clinic

EXPECTING mothers at Madlangombe Clinic in Ward 11, Tsholotsho district were left stranded after their waiting shelter was extensively damaged by heavy rains which were accompanied by strong winds on Monday.

Window panes were extensively damaged while the asbestos roofing sheets were blown off and the estimated cost of the damaged property is US$7 000.

Ward 11 Councillor, Jonathan Ndlovu said they were now appealing for assistance from well-wishers including the business community benefiting from the local natural resources and the diaspora community.

He said the clinic services 10 villages including the neighbouring Wumana area in Bulilima district, Matabeleland South.

“There were strong winds on Monday and they blew off the roof and destroyed window panes at Madlangombe Clinic and the waiting mothers’ shelter was the worst affected and we are appealing for assistance to urgently repair the damaged infrastructure to avert a crisis here,” said Clr Ndlovu. “We call upon our sons and daughters in the diaspora to hear us. We also seek help from the business community.”

The health facility is run by the Tsholotsho Rural District Council.

Tsholotsho district development coordinator who is also the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) district chairperson, Mr Aaron Gono said they will deploy a team to assess the situation on the ground.

“As the CPU team, we do not have specific funds to meet the cost of repairs but after assessing the damage, we will then assist in the mobilisation of resources for repairs,” he said.

Flood-prone communities have been urged to be on high alert in the wake of heavy rains coupled with hailstorms being recorded throughout the country.

Civil protection structures at national and sub-national levels are on alert. Government, through the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan, a blueprint guiding national response to rainfall-induced incidents, is distributing food and non-food items to affected households across the country with partners being engaged to complement the efforts.