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George Maponga recently at CHINGWIZI, Mwenezi
Government has successfully completed relocation of about 3 000 families whose homes and property were submerged following flooding in the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam basin in Chivi after incessant rains pounded the area early last month.
The flooding was subsequently declared a state of disaster by President Mugabe. More than 60 000 people in the basin and downstream areas were under threat from rising water levels in the dam.
The Civil Protection Unit embarked on hasty relocation of endangered families in the basin, evacuating them to Chingwizi holding camp in Mwenezi where they are now building new homes.
Chairman of the Tokwe-Mukosi relocation committee and Masvingo provincial administrator Mr Felix Chikovo said at the weekend that the relocation exercise was complete. “The last trucks carrying families from Level One and Level Two areas in the Tokwe-Mukosi basin arrived here at Chingwizi yesterday (Saturday), marking the end of the relocation exercise, which I must say was largely successful as there was no loss of life,” he said.
“We managed to relocate all the 3 125 families who were in danger of floods.’’
Mr Chikovo said the focus was now on making sure the families built their permanent homes at the Nuanetsi Ranch where Government was pegging an average of 500 plots daily.
Allocation of the permanent plots for the families has since started.
Mr Chikovo said evaluation of properties for families who have not yet been compensated was underway to pave way for the victims to receive compensation.
“We will soon approach Treasury with a request for funds so that we can pay compensation to those who have not been paid,” he said. Some of the families said they will only be able to build permanent homes at Nuanetsi after receiving compensation, with others saying they needed fresh State assistance after exhausting their cash bounties.
Online Reporter