The Sunday News
Lackson Munkombwe, Sunday News Reporter
JOURNALISM students from the National University of Science and Technology on Friday donated groceries and clothes to several villagers who were affected by floods in Bulilima and Mangwe districts.
Among the beneficiaries was an elderly couple, Mr Mkhulunyelwa Moyo (88) and Ms Sinikiwe Ndlovu (71), who are visually impaired. They lost their hut during the heavy rains that destroyed a number of homes in the area.
Lecturer in the Department of Journalism at Nust, Mr Clayton Moyo who accompanied the students said the university was part of the community and they felt there was a need to help those in desperate situations.
“University programmes and activities should always be community-oriented if institutions of higher learning are to be relevant to the people,” said Mr Moyo. “Journalism students continue telling stories of the communities where they come from and bring attention to your plight. It’s their duty.”
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the students adding that the donations will go a long way in helping them. An elderly widow, Ms Memory Nenene Nleya (63), fears that her house could collapse any time.
“I’m scared to stay in this house,” said Ms Nleya. “Water is coming out from the floor and the house has developed some cracks. I stay with my grandchildren, so I cannot relocate this time of the season.”
She added that they have resorted to keep fire on to dry the floor.
“We put fire in the corners of the house to ensure that the house is warm and drying. Floors form water and they are very wet as we speak. It’s inhabitable inside the house,” said Nleya.
Bulilima community development officer Mr Cortin Mpofu said most fields in the area were water logged raising fears that some crops might not reach maturity due to heavy leaching. “Most of the farms in this village now resemble swamps. Crops have turned grey. We fear there could be another drought,” he said.
Mr Mpofu thanked the students and encouraged other organisations and Government to provide more basic goods to the affected communities.
