Flood victims receive maize, blankets

Herald Reporters
Over 100 tonnes of maize and thousands of blankets and tents were yesterday donated to the Tokwe-Murkosi families whose homes and property were destroyed by floods.
This came as Government yesterday launched an appeal to Zimbabweans to help affected families in whatever way possible. Government launched a US$20 million international appeal on Tuesday.

The food, blankets and tents donated yesterday are to be used at three transit camps in Chivi, and by families already resettled in the Chingwizi section of Nuanetsi Ranch in Mwenezi.

Speaking at the handover of the goods donated by the Zimbabwe Women on a Mission Investment Trust (ZWOMIT) and other organisations at Zunga transit camp, Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti hailed the level of support.

“We are very happy with the level of intervention and help that is streaming in from various corners after President Mugabe declared a state of disaster at Tokwe-Murkosi Dam and downstream areas,” he said.

A ZWOMIT delegation led by Mrs Tsitsi Sekeremayi, wife of Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, handed over 10 tonnes of maize and mealie-meal, sanitary pads, tents for 3 000 people, and groceries. Chivi Rural District Council chairperson and councillor for Zunga, Cde Killer Zivhu, pledged two lorries to assist in transportation of families still in the flood basin.

He also paid US$1 200 to scotch-cart operators in the area to help move the affected families and also donated 2 000 tents to shelter families in Chingwizi.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union president Mr Silas Hungwe handed over three tonnes of maize on behalf of his organisation. In its appeal to Zimbabweans yesterday, the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing said it required relief items including food, potable water, bowsers, plastic buckets, cooking utensils, soap and sanitary wear.

Tents, blankets, plastic sheeting, roofing material such as thatch grass and zinc roofing sheets, mosquito nets and basic tillage tools such as hoes, shovels and rakes are also required.