Learners miss classes, patients run out of ARVs as floods cut off Sibula

Sione Amidu in Gwanda, Sunday News Correspondent

HUNDREDS of people in Sibula, Ward 7 of Gwanda District, are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis after floods cut off access to schools, clinics and basic supplies — leaving learners stranded at home while patients are failing to access life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs and other medication.

The overflowing Maleme and Hovi rivers have marooned the community since Monday, submerging low-lying bridges and making it impossible for pupils, teachers, patients and vehicles to cross.

As a result, schools have virtually ground to a halt, while some locals, including visitors stranded in the area, are running out of critical medication for HIV, mental health conditions, diabetes and hypertension.

The Gwanda District Civil Protection Committee (DCPC) conducted an assessment in the area last Tuesday, confirming that both river crossings are impassable to pedestrians and vehicles.

Disaster Risk Management Committee focal person Mr Awakhiwe Moyo said the situation has left more than 200 households in urgent need of food and medical assistance.

“Both bridges are flooded, making them inaccessible to vehicles and pedestrians. People who depend on regular medication, including ART, are now failing to access it, while some visitors from Bulawayo are stranded and running out of supplies,” said Mr Moyo.

He said local shops have also run out of basic commodities due to transport challenges, worsening the plight of affected families.

The disruption has had a devastating impact on education, with school attendance dropping to alarming levels.

On Wednesday, Sibula Primary School, which has an enrolment of 238 learners, recorded only three pupils attending classes. Sibula Secondary School, with 70 learners, had just four pupils present.

“This is likely due to hunger and the danger posed by crossing flooded rivers. Parents are simply not willing to risk their children’s lives,” said Mr Moyo.

Following the assessment, the DCPC convened an emergency meeting.

“We have since appealed to non-governmental organisations for humanitarian assistance, specifically food hampers for about 300 households and medical supplies, particularly for those on chronic medication,” he said.

The committee is now engaging traditional leaders and village health workers to monitor the situation on the ground while awaiting responses from development partners.

As floods continue to isolate the community, villagers fear that prolonged disruptions could lead to worsening health outcomes and prolonged learning losses for already vulnerable children.

On Thursday last week, President Mnangagwa temporarily broke his annual leave to lead high-level co-ordination of Zimbabwe’s response to domestic and sub-regional rainfall-induced disasters that have hit parts of the country, Mozambique and Malawi.

The President has placed the Civil Protection Unit on full alert, supported by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, health services and other Government departments involved in disaster preparedness and response.

Zimbabwe has so far responded to domestic flooding-related emergencies in Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland South and parts of Masvingo and Manicaland, particularly around the confluence of the Runde and Save rivers.

As a precautionary measure, President Mnangagwa has directed that each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces receive 50 tonnes of grain as standby food stocks to cushion communities should the situation deteriorate.

Zimbabwe is also working closely with regional meteorological services to share real-time weather information and strengthen preparedness across Southern Africa.