admin
Temba Dube Senior Reporter
THE Senior Minister of State, Simon Khaya Moyo, yesterday said the flood situation in Tsholotsho was under control and blasted alarmist reports that he said exaggerated the extent of the problem.Speaking after an aerial tour of communities affected by floods in the district, Cde Khaya Moyo said government was disappointed by the negativity some Zimbabweans tended to exhibit about themselves and their country.
“By reading some stories, you would think many people have died in the Tsholotsho floods. The reality is that only one child was lost,” he said.
“I am disappointed by the negativity of the great people of this wonderful country. I wonder why we often think negatively of ourselves. It is outsiders who say nice things about us.
“Tourists will say this is a wonderful country and Zimbabweans are the ones who will say no, it’s terrible. They painted a gloomy picture of the situation, which is being adequately dealt with.”
Cde Khaya Moyo, who was accompanied by his wife, Margaret, said the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and its partners have been on top of the situation in Tsholotsho since the floods were announced on February 3.
“Although further rains may still be a threat, the Civil Protection Unit has the situation under control. I believe the measures that have been put in place are enough to prevent loss of life,” he said.
Cde Khaya Moyo said when the flood disasters were reported nationwide earlier this year, the CPU activated its disaster preparedness plan to swiftly respond.
“Based on the severity of the floods in given areas, we mapped out a visit plan starting with the most affected. Tokwe Mukosi being the worst was our first port of call.
“This has been followed by the visit to Tsholotsho today. Next week we are visiting Mbire in Mashonaland Central, then Sanyati in Mashonaland West,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said people whose homes were destroyed by floods still needed assistance.
“As Zimbabweans we need to stand up first to be counted by giving to our fellow countrymen through provincial administrators and district administrators. This will encourage outsiders to add on to our efforts,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
The senior Minister of State led a high powered delegation comprising the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland North Cain Mathema, Professor Jonathan Moyo (Information, Media and Broadcasting Services), Dr Ignatius Chombo (Local Government, Public Works and National Housing), Dr Obert Mpofu (Transport and Infrastructural Development) and Kembo Mohadi (Home Affairs) on the tour.
The delegation donated a tonne of mealie-meal, cooking oil, soap and clothing to flood victims at Sipepa. Earlier, the Provincial Administrator Latiso Dlamini briefed the ministers about what the CPU had done to contain the disaster.
“MSF, Plan International, Red Cross Zimbabwe, churches, the police, various line ministries and other well wishers donated tents, blankets, food and medical supplies. Response to flood reports was swift,” said Dlamini.
Online Reporter