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Farai Kuvirimirwa recently in Muzarabani—
VILLAGERS in Muzarabani have resorted to using makeshift bridges while some are sleeping in trees because of floods that have hit the low lying area. The floods recently swept bridges, completely cutting off communication between some villages. Mr Nokai Chitagu of Chadereka village said some pupils have since stopped attending classes because bridges that linked their homesteads and schools succumbed to the heavy rains.

“Our children last attended school three weeks ago as the bridges which protected them from crocodiles have collapsed. The crocodiles are migrating from the rivers to bushes which pose a serious threat to them. We are in need of maize seed and fertilisers because what had been earlier distributed to us has been swept away by the heavy rains,” he said.

Muzarabani North legislator Cde Alfred Mufunga said areas severely affected include Chadereka, Ndove, Bore, Museredza which have become risky because wild animals including lions and crocodiles are invading residential areas where livestock and people are under threat.

“All the 13 bridges in the constituency have been destroyed and they need urgent attention. Villages have been isolated and its now difficult to render assistance.

“Crops including cotton and maize have been swept away by floods and when it rains water reaches the window level in some schools which affect pupils. We are asking for the National Parks and Wildlife Authority to dispatch rangers to assist in relocating the wild animals,” Cde Mufunga said.

Last month, Mr Stephen Patukani from Muringazuva Village survived a crocodile attack while another woman died after another reptile bit her leg and part of her waist.