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Precious Manomano Herald Reporter
Most crops are in a good state in most parts of the country, following the rains being received in many parts of the country, but some areas have isolated cases of crop wilting, especially in the Lowveld and in districts such as Mwenezi.
These are the marginal areas for cropping, unless farmers have, at least, supplementary irrigation to add to the rain.
The condition of livestock in most parts of the country has equally improved significantly, due to available grazing, but farmers are required to take precautionary measures to protect their livestock from diseases.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said the crop situation was impressive.
“Crop situation is quite pleasing, generally, across the country,” he said. “Maize and small grains are looking good. There is a promising bumper harvest. Livestock is also looking good in most areas except for January disease, which has affected some areas apart from Matabeleland North. But authorities are on the ground, mitigating the effects.”
While the rains have been welcomed by farmers, they have damaged several houses, leaving over 100 families homeless in Epworth.
Authorities are on the ground mobilising tents for temporary shelter and food to ensure the safety of the affected families in Wards 1, 2 and 6.
More damage was recorded in several parts of the country, including Gokwe and some areas in Matabeleland, as downpours persist and show the benefits of having well-built houses on land that is not a wetland.
The Department of Civil Protection and other disaster preparedness agencies went on high alert as heavy rains fell from last Thursday.
DCP director Mr Nathan Nkomo said they were mobilising tents and grain for affected families.
He said the situation in Epworth was bad, adding that water-borne diseases were likely to spread in the area since their drinking water sources were also contaminated.
“We are worried about the Epworth dwelling unit,” he said. “Authorities must plan their settlements. The situation is not good at all. The houses are not up to standard, not well built at all.
“We are mobilising relief in the form of grain and tents and partners are also assisting us to ensure that the affected people have access to basic items such as food, clothing and shelter. We will intervene to ensure that the situation does not become a disaster.”
The DCP requires more resources to attend to more disasters, which are likely to occur this season, as more heavy rains are forecast.
Mr Nkomo said they were still mobilising support for Gokwe North and South families whose houses were damaged by rains.
The good rains recorded this season have seen rivers rise, but affected those living on wetlands or too close to rivers. While most substantial buildings cope easily with the rain and winds, roof panels have been blown off and buildings with weaknesses have been damaged.
Epworth residents affected by the flash floods have thanked the Government for the timely intervention, saying the Government’s commitment to mobilise food, shelter and clothing was indicative of its desire to protect all citizens. Mrs Teclah Marange said the Government’s promise to ensure safety for all citizens, was commendable.
“We are waiting for the support promised by the Government,” she said. “At the moment we are living in fear as our houses have been damaged because of floods and heavy rains.
“We have stayed here for many years and when it rains, some of these houses become flooded and we cannot even leave the children to play outside. Some peoples’ houses have been flooded and others have reported that water is seeping from underground through the floors into the house.
“We even have neighbours who have abandoned their homes because the problem has become too much for them to bear.”
Another resident, Mr Tonderai Madiro, said: “This rainy season has caused a lot of damage to our houses. We are happy that the Government will help us with tents for shelter which will make us safe until the rainy season ends.
“We are also grateful to hear that our Government is mobilising grain relief for all affected people.”
Director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mr Gabriel Masvora, said the Department of Civil Protection had mobilised 40 tonnes of grain from the Grain Marketing Board for distribution to 244 households affected by floods in Chief Njelele’s area in Gokwe.
The total number of people affected in the area is yet to be ascertained as some of the areas remain inaccessible due to damaged roads.
“The affected people will collect the grain from Nembudziya but plans are also in place to activate the Air Force of Zimbabwe to airlift some of the grain to affected areas,” said Mr Masvora.
“We are yet to activate the AFZ. In January, the Government availed US$800 000 to the Air Force of Zimbabwe as part of disaster preparedness and we will draw from that fund.”
Flooded rivers remain a potential hazard and heavy downpours may give rise to flash flooding leading to treacherous road conditions.
Lightning is also a major threat during this time of the year, being inherent in thunderstorms.
Online Reporter