Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
VIOLENT winds left a trail of destruction in Nyamandlovu where Umguza District Hospital, a school and residential infrastructure were damaged last week.
The strong winds blew off rooftops at Nganda Primary School, Nyamandlovu District Hospital Pharmacy, a shop at a Nyamandlovu Business Centre and a homestead at Epping Forrest.
Umguza Rural District Council ward 19 councilor, Joseph Nkomo, confirmed the developments in an interview.
“The winds were very strong and first hit Nyamandlovu centre last week Monday where they blew off roofing for one shop, At Nyamandlovu District Hospital winds destroyed the pharmacy, which holds medication for the whole district,” he said.
“Nganda Primary School also had its two classrooms’ roof blown off although one was mostly affected. Winds also hit a house built by ZESA for people who were affected by the construction of Hwange Unit 7 and 8 power station project.”
Cllr Nkomo said the property destroyed at Nganda Primary School is worth around US$2 500, which is now needed to rehabilitate damage.
He said they were yet to ascertain the damage value for the hospital pharmacy, the shop and the house but appealed for help from well-wishers.
Mr Marko Francis Dube (64) said he was taking an afternoon nap when strong winds blew off the roofing at his house. He said luckily no one suffered any injury in the incident.
“The roof was blown off while I was sleeping trying to protect myself from the high temperatures. The wind was so strong that it even took off the beams and asbestos.
“I was left in the open and my property is in the open. I had to throw away some of the mealie meal because it has been filled with dusty,” he said.
Mr Dube said ZESA officials visited and assessed the damage but did not commit if they will help.
He said his house and that of others built by ZESA have serious cracks, which could expose them to further risks due to weather elements.
Nganda School Development Committee chairperson, who is also the village head for the area, Mr Norman Ndebele said no one was hurt in the incident but the children were left shocked. He said the affected classroom is used by Grade ones and twos.
“The wind blew off the class room as learning was happening. Luckily when the winds came they were only in class. Had they been on break time, we will be talking of disaster,” he said.
“We are still in shock but we have to map a way forward. We reported to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and other authorities.” — @themkhust
Online Reporter