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George Maponga at NUANETSI RANCH, Mwenezi
Hundreds of Tokwe-Mukosi flood victims relocated at Nuanetsi Ranch in Mwenezi have appealed to Government for permission to build permanent structures to replace their makeshift homes that risk being swept away during the forthcoming rainy season.
The flood victims, who were moved from the overcrowded Chingwizi Camp to one-hectare permanent plots in August, at the weekend claimed that Government had not yet given them the green light to build permanent homes.

Most of them are living in ramshackle makeshift structures covered by tents or pole and dagga huts not strong enough to shelter them in the event of heavy and prolonged rains.

The families said authorities advised them against building permanent structures until given the go-ahead to build following a linear pattern.

Some of the families who spoke to The Herald said they feared to be left homeless during the rainy season, which is about a month away.

“We are building makeshift homes made of pole and dagga or covered by tents at the moment because authorities said they were going to show us the exact position where we are supposed to build our permanent homes,” said Mrs Sostina Chamakamba.

“They told us not to build permanent structures as our homes were supposed to follow a certain pattern and up to now, we are still waiting.’’

Mr Pedzisai Chihoyi said the flood victims saw no rationale in building homes they would be forced to destroy.

“We are just setting up structures so that we find somewhere to sleep and keep our belongings,’’ he said.

The flood victims said besides the problem of secure shelter they were also grappling with severe water shortages.

Most of the 34 boreholes drilled by Government and non-governmental organisations at Nuanetsi were no longer able to supply enough water owing to the depletion of the water table.

Masvingo provincial administrator Mr Felix Chikovo said he was not aware that the flood victims were not given the go ahead to build permanent structures.

“The flood victims are supposed to build permanent homes, but maybe they were advised against proceeding by officials from the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement who allocated them the plots,” he said. “Our thinking was that once they receive compensation they then start building permanent homes.’’

Mr Chikovo said the problem of water would soon be a thing of the past as the water table at Nuanetsi was expected to rise with the advent of the rains.