Relocated flood victims struggle to access basic amenities

MORE than 300 families from Tsholotsho, which were displaced by floods caused by Cyclone Dineo in 2017, are calling on the Government to provide essential amenities in their new location.

These families require a clinic, school, boreholes for clean water and access roads to improve their living conditions and well-being.

Provision of these facilities is essential for the health, education and overall quality of life of the community following their relocation.

The Government has built 298 out of 305 houses for the flood victims on higher ground in Tshino and Sawudweni villages, with seven families yet to receive support.

Tsholotsho is one of the most flood-prone areas in the country, with communities in Mahlosi, Mahlaba, Thamuhla, Mbamba, Mele, Lutshome, Maphili and Mbanyana villages along Gwayi River, among the worst affected.

During a recent project tour, Special Advisor to the President Responsible for Monitoring and Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, heard concerns from the beneficiaries regarding the lack of social amenities.

There were also concerns that the resettled individuals were in Kalahari soils, which are unsuitable for agriculture and pasture, which limited some beneficiaries’ ability to farm and keep livestock.

For example, widow Mrs Lucia Mele (63), had to return to her old homestead in Mapili village despite the risks associated with the move.

“We are just lucky that we haven’t had floods since that year. I only hope my house will be complete soon, so that I can move in just like other families,” she said.

Project manager, Mr Nimrod Mupfute, reported that US$232 000 is required to complete the seven houses in question.

“The construction of the houses under the Tsholotsho disaster recovery housing project started in 2017 and progressed well until the outbreak of Covid-19, which affected the project. Presently, we have completed 298 houses, while seven are still outstanding due to funding,” he said.

An official from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, Ms Oppah Kamwendo, also raised concerns regarding the inaccessible roads linking Tsholotsho-Sipepa Road with the housing project site.

According to Ms Kamwendo, at least US$38 000 per kilometre is required to grade the 20km stretch.

Ward 5 councillor, Rophas Ndlovu, noted that young children were being forced to walk long distances to Tshino Primary School, the only school in the area.

“We are appealing to the Government to construct another school primarily for Early Childhood Development learners. The nearest clinic is also 15km away,” said Clr Ndlovu.

Dr Gumbo expressed regret that seven years after the Cyclone Dineo disaster, some families were still homeless despite the Government providing land for new houses for the flood victims.

Such critical projects, he said, should be prioritised for funding despite financial constraints and competing demands.

Dr Gumbo also promised to engage with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to address the issue.

“I have also been informed that the soils at the new sites are sandy and not suitable for grazing, gardening and farming, which has forced some beneficiaries to return to flood-prone areas where there is fertile soil.

“I, therefore, would like to urge relevant authorities to ensure that for future relocation programmes, a holistic approach is adopted taking into account the safety concerns as well as the issue of sustainable livelihoods,” Dr Gumbo said.