Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
HARARE Mayor and Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe president Councillor Jacob Mafume has pledged support to Masvingo City Council following a devastating hailstorm that damaged homes, buildings and vehicles in the city.
The hailstorm left several families homeless, injured some residents and disrupted business, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed. In a statement, Cllr Mafume expressed solidarity with the people of Masvingo and said UCAZ and the City of Harare were coordinating assistance to support the city’s emergency response.
“I have received with shock and dismay the sad news of a devastating hailstorm that damaged homes, buildings and cars in the City of Masvingo yesterday,” he said.
“In my capacity as the president of the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) and on behalf of the City of Harare and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to express solidarity with Masvingo City Council following the devastation caused by the hailstorm.”
He said the response will be coordinated through UCAZ and the City of Harare’s Public Safety Division, with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ Civil Protection Unit providing guidance.
“I am aware that families have been left homeless, some residents were left injured, and business has been greatly affected,” he said.
“While the extent of the damage is currently being assessed, I wish to state that we are joining hands to coordinate support for Masvingo City Council’s emergency response through UCAZ and the City of Harare’s Public Safety Division to assist in the best way possible so that normalcy can be retained as soon as possible.”
Clr Mafume said UCAZ and the City of Harare were ready to assist affected residents as they rebuilt damaged infrastructure.
He also appealed to individuals, churches and organisations to join the recovery efforts.
