Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A HAILSTORM has damaged public infrastructure in Tshituripasi, Beitbridge East, with a local Civil Protection Committee assessing the extent of the destruction and mobilising resources for repairs.
The storm struck on Tuesday afternoon, damaging buildings at Tshituripasi Clinic, Tshituripasi Primary School and Tshituripasi Secondary School, among other public infrastructure.
The clinic and secondary school serve an estimated 4 000 villagers in Ward 1.
Civil Protection Committee focal person in the District Development Coordinator’s office, Mr Jahson Mugodzwa, confirmed the damage, saying more resources would be required to restore the affected facilities.
“You will note that there are some extensive damages to most buildings here and we would need more resources to get things back to normalcy. However, we are still assessing damages in all affected areas in the ward pending further action,” said Mr Mugodzwa.
The local Civil Protection Committee has dispatched a team to assess the damage as authorities consider the next steps, including resource mobilisation and repairs.
According to the latest Meteorological Services Department (MSD) advisory, scattered thunderstorms, with possible hailstorms and localised heavy downpours, were expected to affect
Matabeleland South from Tuesday, with conditions forecast to become more stable in the southern half of the country on Wednesday.
The MSD warned that storms could bring lightning, strong winds, hail and flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, near rivers and in urban centres.
Members of the public were advised to avoid sheltering under isolated trees, stay away from flooded roads and river crossings, secure loose outdoor items and seek sturdy shelter when thunderstorms develop.
