Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
ACTING President Dr Kembo Mohadi has assured the nation of the Government’s preparedness for climate-related disasters, while urging citizens to continue heeding weather warnings as heavy rains persist across the country.
He said the Department of Civil Protection has already activated its structures nationwide to respond to emergencies linked to the ongoing rains.
Speaking on the sidelines of the burial of his cousin, Mr Enock Singo who was laid to rest at Whunga village yesterday, Dr Mohadi said:
“We have prepared adequately to deal with climate related incidents during this rainy season. So far, we don’t have any fatalities that we know except the unfortunate incident where we lost nine people in Matabeleland South this week when one reckless driver decided to venture into a swollen river.
“We have lost lives unnecessarily when the vehicle was swept away by the water current. However, we have very much prepared, our Civil Protection Unit is on high alert and they are monitoring the situation consistently and giving me reports about the situation on the ground continuously”.
He said it was important for people to take note early of warnings and alerts from the Department of Civil Protection and the police to avoid the unnecessary loss of lives.
Where necessary, he said, people must delay their journeys and wait for water levels to subside rather than venturing into swollen water bodies.
“The rains are always good but at times they come with such problems as disaster and flash floods, but then we appreciate it and we should always be ready to respond,” said Dr Mohadi.
“At the same time, we have been sending awareness messages through the CPU and the police against people crossing swollen rivers because you never know what’s going to happen.
“The bridge or causeway you used to cross might have been washed away and this is dangerous. So, they (people) must stay away from such attempts until it is clear and safe for them to cross”.
Over the past two weeks, the country has increased incessant rains, with the heavy rainfall activity set to continue this week.
Speaking during the same gathering, Matabeleland South’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said it is important for members of the community to continuously follow weather updates from the MSD or the CPU.
Mr Singo who died aged 81, was a well-respected agronomist in Beitbridge district.
Multitudes of mourners gathered at his homestead some 140km west of the border town to pay homage to a community champion who inspired many villagers to venture into horticulture.
He succumbed to pancreatic cancer.
