By Sifelani Murambiwa in Chiredzi
The Masvingo Civil Protection Unit is facing a serious shortfall of temporary shelter to house all victims of Tokwe Mukosi flooding now at Chingwizi Holding Camp in Mwenezi where the Zimbabwean government has relocated over 2500 families awaiting permanent land allocation.
With the heavy rains continuously pondering Masvingo province, some families risk contracting diseases such as flu as they have been staying in the open for almost two weeks as government and various organisations struggle to avail tents for everyone.
Dhobha Zhira a victim of the flooding said he and his family were evacuated from the Tokwe Mukosi flood basin on February 25 but is yet to receive tents.
“I don’t know where to start because I left everything and now I have to been in the open since I set foot in this camp. I have a six month-old baby and two toddlers who cannot stand staying in the open and it is only a matter of time before they fall sick,” said Zhira.
Another victim Faith Muungani said she received food hampers but is yet to receive a tent as government officials are saying tents are being sourced.
“I have been issued with food and blankets for my family but the problem now is we don’t have tents. My property is in the open and with these heavy rains we will continue to make losses. I just pray my
children won’t fall ill because of the cold because the situation is getting worse by the day,” said Muungani.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ministers Kudakwashe Bhasikiti said the situation at Chingwizi Holding Camp is getting serious on a daily basis as the province continues to be blessed with heavy rains.
“The Province has been and still tackling the Tokwe Mukosi disaster that has seen more than 2500 families being displaced by floods. We however appeal to cooperate world, nongovernmental organisations, Zimbabweans and everyone living being to continue supporting victims of the floods as the lives of these people depends on us.
“We urgently need more tents to house some of the victims who have been living in the open for weeks. The province is continuously receiving rains and last night (Wednesday night) we received hailstorm making the situation desperate,” said Bhasikiti.
Government announced that it has completed relocating people from the Tokwe Mukosi Basin to Chingwizi Holding Camp early this week.
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