Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda in Binga
THE usually quiet village of Nsungwale under Chief Sinakoma area deep in Binga District, sprang to life yesterday at the sound of ululating women and clapping men as Vice-President Kembo Mohadi officially handed over 37 houses built for families affected by devastating floods of February 2020.
For many, it was a day they thought would never come, a day when the pain of the past was finally replaced by the comfort of hope.
The scene was a blend of joy and reflection, as victims-turned-beneficiaries stepped into the homes they now proudly call their own.
Among them was 42-year-old, Ms Benita Mwinde, whose memories of that night five years ago remain as vivid as ever.
“It was around midnight when we heard the roar of water. At first, I thought it was a strong wind, but when I stepped outside, our hut was already half-submerged,” she said, her eyes misting over.
“We ran with only the clothes on our backs. Everything was gone, which includes our food, our clothes and even the chickens.”
Ms Mwinde, a mother of one, like many others, spent weeks sleeping in makeshift shelters and schools, relying on the kindness of strangers and aid agencies.
For years, they lived in uncertainty, unsure if they would ever have a proper roof over their heads again.
“I never imagined I would one day live in such a beautiful home. It has windows, a strong roof, a toilet and a proper floor. We are safe now,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
The new houses were built under the Binga Disaster Recovery Housing Project. Painted in warm earth tones, the structures were designed not just for shelter, but to restore the dignity of families uprooted by nature’s fury.
For Mr Smart Muzamba, a father of five, the handover of the keys felt like a personal victory over adversity.
“After the floods, we were scattered like birds without nests. My children would wake up crying in the middle of the night, scared by streams of water sweeping us away again,” he said.
“Today, I feel like a man again. I have a home for my family. My children can sleep peacefully.”
Ms Jerinah Muleya, another beneficiary, could not hide her joy as she showed off keys to her new home.
“This is like a dream to me finding myself in such a beautiful house after the devastating floods that left me and my family homeless. Whenever I think of the events of that day, I feel like crying, but today I am shedding tears of joy and I am grateful to the Government for fulfilling its promise and today is a day of joy for us,” she said.
Chief Sinakoma said the gesture by Government would be remembered for generations to come.
“These houses are more than just buildings, but are a reminder that even in our darkest hour, we were not forgotten by the Government,” he said.
“The housing projects is a testimony to the Second Republic’s commitment to leaving no one and no place in terms of development.
“On my behalf and the entire community, I am grateful to the Government for coming up with this project following the floods that left 181 families homeless. My heart is full of joy as I witness this event.”
Vice-President Mohadi, addressing the emotional crowd, described the project as “a beacon of hope” and a testimony to the Government’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.
“This project is a beacon of hope to a resilient future and a testament to President Mnangagwa’s benevolence to communities across Zimbabwe.
“Let us carry the lessons we have learnt from past disasters and apply them in our daily lives, ensuring that we are always prepared for the worst,” he said.
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