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Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has suffered significant losses amounting to approximately US$200 000 in property damage following weeks of relentless rainfall, according to reports from the Civil Protection Unit (CPU).
This comes as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has indicated that the intense downpours have now eased across most parts of the country.
The heavy rains, recorded between December last year and January this year, left a trail of destruction, affecting an estimated 1 000 households, damaging 143 schools and 13 health facilities, and tragically resulting in 26 recorded deaths.
Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant as rising water levels in rivers and dams pose potential danger, with several water bodies already spilling and threatening nearby communities.
CPU acting director Disaster Response and Coordination Mr Farai Hokonya highlighted some of the areas affected.
Mashonaland Central Province recorded the highest damage with close to US$65 000 needed to repair Mushumbi-Chakafa Road which was damaged by the rains. Four deaths were recorded in the province.
One health facility and 15 schools were also damaged by the storms.
“Midlands Province has 439 households affected, two deaths, 39 schools damaged, and four health facilities damaged which require US$55 390 to repair,” said Mr Hokonya.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) offices were also damaged by the heavy rains in the province while electricity poles in Buchwa were uprooted.
Matabeleland South was also badly affected as four bridges were damaged, with five dams and one irrigation scheme being damaged.
Khomanyanga and Mbombo bridges, Kana-Manoti Road and Kalope in Matabeleland North Province also suffered extensive damage. Twenty-seven schools and one health institution were also damaged following the rains and the province will need over US$21 000 to repair the affected areas.
“Following the weather advisory which was issued Mashonaland East, West, Central and Manicaland provinces received thunder showers while Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland provinces were mostly sunny and hot conditions due to the circulation of relatively dry air over the southwestern parts of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) advised the public that due to the increase of rainfall within the Mutirikwi’s catchment area in Masvingo Province, the water levels have significantly increased to the extent that the dam is expected to spill if the wet spell persists.
The Department of Civil Protection has started information dissemination programmes via various media platforms raising awareness among the communities in Masvingo where the dam is located.
The heavy rains received in Bikita have also affected one of the major roads in the district with six kilometres of Chikuku Janet Road badly damaged and gullies have formed beside the road.
Mr Hokonya reported that due to continuous rains in Manicaland Province, Skyline Chimanimani experienced rock falls. However, the District Civil Protection Committee intervened by clearing the road on time.
Motorists are warned to exercise caution when navigating roads in Chimanimani as this area is common to rock falls at this time of the season.
Incidents of marooning continue to be reported as recently, 10 artisanal miners were marooned in Mazowe River and were rescued by the local community.
“Statistics have shown that cases of marooning are increasing in Mudzi District hence the need for more awareness,” said Mr Hokonya.
Bulawayo Province has also been affected by the rains with areas like Sizinda and Cowdray Park experiencing flooding.
Households were assisted by the Provincial Civil Protection Committee using salvage roofing sheets and tents that were provided. Ntabeni Primary School in Entumbane had two blocks also covered by the tents.
The affected households were supported with blankets, foodstuffs and other basic items. — @NyembeziMu
Online Reporter