Government donates blankets, food to Sizinda rainstorm victims

THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, through the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), yesterday donated blankets and food to families in Sizinda suburb, Bulawayo, who were affected by a devastating storm earlier this month.

The storm, which struck on January 15, brought torrential rains and strong winds that tore roofs off homes, uprooted trees and caused flooding. The hardest-hit areas included Sizinda, Richmond, Harrisvale, and Entumbane suburbs, leaving numerous families homeless and in need of assistance.

Speaking after receiving the donation at Tshabalala Hall, the victims expressed deep gratitude to the Government and the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) for their swift and continued support.

Mrs Sithabiso Mhlanga, one of the beneficiaries, said the assistance would help her family recover from the disaster.
“We are very grateful to the Government and its partners for not forgetting us in these difficult times. Our blankets and food were soaked in water, and the grain we will collect from the Grain Marketing Board depot will go a long way in sustaining us,” she said.

Ms Immaculate Ndlovu, another beneficiary, commended the leadership for standing by the affected families.
“We are facing tough times, but it warms my heart to see leaders who support us during such challenges. From the day of the disaster, we have been receiving help from the Fire Brigade and BCC, who provided polyester to cover our roofs.
“Now, we are receiving food and blankets from Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube and the CPU,” she said.

Of the 41 families affected in Sizinda, 20 received donations yesterday, while the remaining families, who are yet to register, are expected to receive aid soon.

Local Government director for Bulawayo, Mrs Tswagai Fikile Marovatsanga, who chairs the provincial CPU, said efforts are ongoing to mobilise more resources for the affected residents.

“Today, we donated blankets and water containers and we gave the residents forms to enable them to collect grain from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). We are working to ease the burden they are carrying,” she said.

Mrs Marovatsanga acknowledged the challenges faced by the victims and assured them of continued support.
“We understand how hard things can get after such an incident, and we are in the process of mobilising more resources to help the residents get back on their feet,” she said.

Mrs Marovatsanga also praised the Bulawayo Fire Brigade for their dedication and quick response during the disaster.
“The Fire Brigade worked tirelessly to provide coverage to the affected areas and continues to offer their support to this day. We commend their efforts,” she said.