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that have recently been experienced destroyed close to 1 000 homesteads nationwide.
In a response to questions from Chronicle on incidences reported during the 2012 to 2013 rainfall season, the deputy director in the Department of Civil Protection, Mrs Sibusisiwe Ndlovu, said the most affected province was Masvingo where 342 homesteads were destroyed in the area.
“A total of 342 homesteads in Masvingo have been destroyed by heavy rains that were experienced during the period from 17 November last year to 24 January. Some of the most affected areas within the province are Zororo compound area, which is in Chiredzi District where 140 homesteads were destroyed.
“Next is Mufakose compound area, which had 83 homesteads destroyed on 16 January, as the water had gone up to window level. Thirty five homesteads were also damaged by a strong storm experienced in Chivi District,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
She said Matabeleland North, which was the second most affected province, had 273 homesteads destroyed. “By 18 January, 266 homesteads had been damaged by heavy rains received in Matabeleland North. Areas, which were affected within the province were Lupane, Tsholotsho, Umguza, Bubi, Hwange and Binga districts.”
Mrs Ndlovu also said that 146 homesteads were damaged in Mashonaland Central while 136 were damaged in Matabeleland South.
“By 18 January there were 136 homesteads that had been destroyed in Matabeleland South. On 11 December 40 homesteads in Esigodini District were damaged by a hailstorm that was experienced within the area.
“The most affected area in Matabeleland South is Beitbridge District where 96 homesteads were damaged on 18 January resulting in a number of people being left homeless,” she said.
Mrs Ndlovu said the Civil Protection Unit together with other stakeholders had offered assistance to victims with displaced families receiving a tent each.
“The District Civil Protection Committee for each area conducted damage assessments following the floods. Several organisations like the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, International Organisation of Migration, Help Germany, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and World Vision donated tents and other household items such as blankets, pots, soaps and clothing to families that were affected.
“The Civil Protection Unit also availed $100 per affected family, which all went a long way in assisting families that incurred losses as a result of the floods. Co-Minister in Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi also donated foodstuffs to affected families,” said Mrs Ndlovu.
The heavy rains that pounded the country throughout last month left a trail of destruction across most provinces, leading to loss of life and causing substantial damage to infrastructure. Public service and infrastructure such as roads and bridges were also affected.
Mrs Ndlovu said the province of Manicaland experienced severe infrastructural damage as 24 bridges and 17 roads were damaged due to the floods.
“Twenty four bridges and 17 roads in Manicaland require rehabilitation and reconstruction, as they were damaged by the floods. A total of 2 530 bags of cement are needed to repair all the damaged bridges in the area,” she said.
Online Reporter