The Sunday News
Masvingo Correspondent
FAMILIES, who were recently moved by Government from Tokwe-Mukorsi flood basin in Chivi District and settled at Chingwizi Transit Camp in Mwenezi, face starvation, amid reports that the recent thunderstorms that hit the area destroyed about 30 tonnes of mealie-meal. In an interview, Mwenezi district administrator Mr Stanley Chamisa appealed to Government and companies to continue donating food to the flood victims to avert hunger.
“We received thunderstorms in Mwenezi last week and Chingwizi area was not spared. Families had their temporary tents blown away and their property destroyed including the mealie-meal at the warehouse,” Mr Chamisa said.
He said the affected families were now sleeping in the open because of the destruction.
“After the successful movement of flood victims from Tokwe-Mukorsi, we are faced with yet other challenge which calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
“The food has been coming in abundance but the problem now is the thunderstorm.
“The tents were swept away and most families now sleep in the open while food stocks are dwindling because of the destruction caused by the rains,” he said.
Mr Chamisa also pointed out the critical shortage of water and drugs for water borne diseases at the camp.
“The conditions under which the families are living at the transit camp need constant checks because of the rains, as some families sleep in the open. We also need about 189 000 litres everyday against the 90 000 litres we are getting. Anti-malaria tablets are also in short supply as half of the 3 470 families are sleeping in the open thereby become susceptible to mosquito bites,” he said.
Meanwhile, Namibian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Balbina Daes Pienaar reportedly visited Chingwizi Transit Camp and met over 3 000 families after which she donated 5 000 litres of bottled water.
Ms Pienaar hailed Government for its swift reaction to the disaster and declaring the floods, which saw families losing property and livestock, a state of disaster.
Ms Pienaar toured Tokwe-Mukorsi Dam before she proceeded to the holding camp.
