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Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Zanu-PF’S leadership has expressed concern over the general poor quality of houses across rural Zimbabwe despite the fact that the country attained its Independence almost four decades ago.
National Political Commissar Cde Engelbert Rugeje said the poor state of these dwellings made them susceptible to natural disasters which leave thousands of people homeless every year due to new weather patterns caused by climate change.
This comes in the wake of the rampaging Cyclone Idai disaster which left a trail of destruction in Masvingo and Manicaland provinces, where it took a very high toll on human life, ravaged homes and infrastructure.
The majority of the structures found across most rural areas are made of pole and dagga, which makes them prone to destruction by strong winds and heavy rains perennially.
Addressing villagers in Ward 24 in Chiredzi North Constituency, Cde Rugeje said there was need for Government and its development partners to help develop new areas where rural dwellers would construct proper houses.
“People now need to be empowered with building materials so that they are able to construct proper and strong houses.
“This (Cyclone Idai Disaster) is just the beginning, more disasters of this kind will continue haunting us, so we need to prepare ourselves by constructing strong houses,” said Rtd Lt Gen Rugeje.
He said laws should be amended to give specifications on the minimum standards which must be followed when houses are constructed in rural areas.
“We need to enact a law which outlines a set of guidelines required when one constructs a house.
“This is obviously difficult for some of us, but I hope that Government will do something for the less privileged.
“As the ruling party, we are more superior than Government, so we dictate the pace. We want rural communities to be helped through the modernisation of their housing structures and this would save the nation from continued losses owing to destruction caused by natural disasters,” he said.
In his address, Chiredzi North legislator Cde Roy Bhila said villagers must be taught about the dangers of overgrazing and deforestation.
“We were lucky to have a very good natural environment here, but the rampant cutting down of trees, overgrazing and veld fires spell disaster for our communities,” he said.
“Loads of charcoal and firewood are being ferried to towns from here, but in the process you are destroying your own environment.
“Climate change is real, the Environmental Management Authority must take drastic measures to combat wanton cutting down of trees because in less than a decade this area will be a desert,” said Cde Bhila.
Online Reporter