adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo correspondent
Government has commenced the reconstruction of Cyclone Idai-damaged infrastructure in Masvingo, with workmen already on the ground, an official has said.
Provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa said Government was committed towards bringing back normalcy to the affected families.
At least 6 000 households were affected in Bikita, Zaka, Gutu and Masvingo districts, while about 3 000 others were left homeless due to the cyclone.
The tropical cyclone claimed more than 339 people and left 347 others missing, with more than 5 000 families left homeless in Chimanimani and Chipinge, while five people died in Bikita.
Government has made available about $100 million towards reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed by Cyclone Idai throughout the country.
Work is already in progress in Chimanimani, where about 60 percent of the road network is now trafficable, while most bridges have been repaired.
“We are already on the ground, repairing damaged bridges and roads in Bikita and other affected districts,” said Mr Mbetsa.
He said there was a team of experts visiting all affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and figure out what was needed to restore normalcy.
“On the damage, the Government has recommended a specific model which is strong enough to resist future natural disasters,” said Mr Mbetsa.
“The victims will be assisted in reconstructing their damaged homes. Some families will be moved from their original areas to safer places.
“Our teams of engineers are on the ground as we speak. They are making assessment of the damage after which actual work will commence.”
Mr Mbetsa said the District Development Fund (DDF) had already started reconstruction of damaged bridges and roads in Bikita, which is the worst affected district in Masvingo.
He said local people, including women, were employed as part of empowering local communities.
He appealed to the business community to assist in the reconstruction of schools and health centres in the affected districts.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira said Masvingo needed at least $3 million to rehabilitate road network destroyed by Cyclone Idai.
Online Reporter