The Sunday News
Mollet Ndebele and Sinokuthaba Dube, Sunday News Reporters
SOME parts of Matabeleland region have started receiving meaningful rainfall with Kezi recording 20mm last week, giving hope to people who have lost several cattle to drought.
More than 5 000 cattle have died in Matabeleland South due to drought while people are also facing challenges in accessing drinking water.
Statistics from the Meteorological Services Department showed that apart from Kezi other areas that also received notable rainfall included Plumtree 13mm, Tsholotsho 11mm, Lupane, Nyamandlovu 10mm.
In Midlands, Gweru recorded the highest amount of rainfall at 30mm. The department said more rains were expected across various parts of the country this week
“We are expecting more consistent rains from mid-November onwards and it is important also to take note of the 2019/2020 seasonal forecast that has already been issued by MSD as the season unravels,” said MSD director Mr Tichaona Zinyemba.
He said farmers could start planting but it has to be done to the appropriate depth depending on the soils.
“If the moisture levels are insufficient, the seed will then rot and hence fail to germinate. This will then mean a loss on the part of the farmer in that they have to replant.
“It’s therefore prudent to put the seed into the ground in preparation for the early significant rains but we will continue to monitor the situation.”
Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, Save the Children is working with the Meteorological Services Department in Matabeleland South to install standard rain gauges at schools in Matobo and Beitbridge districts to create a disaster resilient community.
Matabeleland South provincial MSD chief Mr Rodgers Munyira said the programme is funded by the European Union through the NGO.
“We are currently working around Matobo District training school authorities and the community on how to measure rainfall using these standard rain gauges in an effort to create a disaster resilient community,” Mr Munyira said.
He said the rain gauges will help to monitor weather patterns as part of early warning systems.
