Hailstorm destroys 26 schools in Mat South

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
A TOTAL of 26 schools in Matabeleland South Province had their buildings destroyed by hailstorms accompanied by strong winds, a situation that has left hundreds of pupils stranded.
Presenting a report during a provincial Civil Protection Unit (CPU) meeting yesterday in Gwanda Town, Matabeleland South provincial education director Mrs Tumisang Thabela said they have so far received reports that 26 schools were affected by the destructive rains.
“We have so far received reports of 26 schools that were affected by the rains and strong winds since last week. However, this is just a preliminary report,” she said.

Mrs Thabela said Beitbridge district recorded the highest number of schools affected with 12 schools having buildings destroyed followed by Insiza with seven.

Bulilima, Gwanda and Matobo Districts have two schools each while Umzingwane has one.
“In Insiza District the worst hit school is Denje Primary School,” said Mrs Thabela.

At Denje Primary, a storm which lasted only ten minutes destroyed six classroom blocks which had their roofs blown off, teachers’ cottages, the school hall and a local church.

Three pupils sustained minor injuries.
The heavy rains also soaked textbooks and food at some of the affected schools.

The provincial administrator, Mr Midard Khumalo, said the reports showed that the situation on the ground was not good.
“The onset of the rains has once again brought misery, fear and trauma among the communities in Matabeleland South. The worst affected communities are the schools. We know that schools bring together many families and once the school is destroyed it then means lots of families are affected,” he said.

Mr Khumalo said there was a need to revisit some of the structures as they were ageing so that the province does not repeatedly experience the same hazards every year during the rainy season.

“We really need to do something so that we don’t keep mourning,” he said adding that it was also important to conscientise the communities on how they should respond in the event of such disasters.

Mr Khumalo, who is also the provincial CPU chairperson, led the team to assess the extent of the damage in Insiza District.