Heavy storm leaves trail of destruction

Liberty Dube Post Correspondent—

A HEAVY downpour that swept across Mutare and Mutasa districts last week left a trail of destruction after it ripped off classroom blocks and shop roofs, damaging windows and furniture in the process.

Mutasa Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr George Tonderai Bandure, confirmed that a hailstorm ripped off roofs of a classroom block at Sagambe High School and part of Sagambe Clinic as well as other buildings at Sagambe Rural Service Centre.

“It is unfortunate that I am not in the office to give you comprehensive details, but I can confirm that the hailstorm destroyed roofs at Sagambe High School. It also affected Sagambe Clinic and other shops at the rural service centre. We are coming to assess the situation with other dignitaries,” he said.

Deputy Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Mrs Clara Kanoerera, in an interview on Wednesday, said she was yet to receive reports about the effects of the hailstorm from district school inspectors.

“We haven’t received any report yet. I am yet to be furnished with such details by my district school inspectors,” she said.

The hailstorm also ripped off roofs of two classroom blocks at Rowa Primary School in Zimunya on November 10 and destroyed timber, stationery and textbooks valued at more than $4 000.

In an interview, one of the teachers, Mr Pangai Mutidzawanda, said fortunately, no pupil was injured as it was way past learning time.

It was a sorry sight as charts, desks and bricks were scattered all over.

“Besides the classroom blocks that were left roofless, stationery, timber and textbooks were destroyed. Luckily, the downpour took place when pupils had left for their respective homes. We are appealing to members of the public to assist us to repair the damaged classrooms as well as replace the destroyed furniture,” he said.