Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE traditional leader Chief Vhomusanda Vho Stauze (David Mbedzi) has called upon the Government to avail more resources for the district civil protection unit to boost its disaster and risk management capacity.
In an interview during a rescue operation for two people who drowned in a flooded river at Mtetengwe area in ward 6 last week, the chief said the local committee was ill equipped to deal with disasters. He said the committee was relying on help from other institutions especially non-governmental organisations for material support.
Chief Stauze said it was also important for businesses to invest in infrastructure in the area to promote rural development.
He said the area had many investment opportunities including water and sanitation and renewable energy.
Beitbridge acting District Administrator Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi, who also chairs the district Civil Protection Unit said resources were affecting operation in the area.
“As Civil protection we don’t have resources. For instance we don’t have a vehicle to cater for civil protection issues, thus affecting awareness campaigns and responding to disasters in different areas of the district. Our district has a stretch of 240km or so and it’s difficult to reach out to some of those areas especially Shashi, Tshikwalakwala, Malibeng, Whunga,” she said.
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