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Runesu Gwidi in MASVINGO
Masvingo District has received 500 litres of fuel from Government to transport aid to communities that were affected by Cyclone Idai.

The rampaging clyclone swept through four districts, namely Masvingo, Bikita, Zaka and Gutu where it left a trail of destruction. In Masvingo district, 556 families were affected by the cyclone which also left 32 families homeless.

Masvingo District Administrator Mr Roy Hove yesterday said Government has shifted its focus from those left homeless by the cyclone to all those affected by the disaster.

Mr Hove said the fuel will be handy to move aid to all affected areas in his district.

“Government has so far managed to purchase close to 500 litres of diesel from local suppliers for vehicles that are ferrying food and other items donated by humanitarian partners and well-wishers towards families affected by the cyclone in Masvingo district,” he said.

“The most affected areas in the district are Summerton Ranch (ward 6), Clipsham (ward 7), Charumbira (ward 10), Chikwanda (ward 14), Chatikobo (ward 16) and Musvovi (ward 26) near Renco Mine.”

Mr Hove paid tribute to Government and development partners for assisting cyclone-ravaged communities.

“Our primary focus was on those that were left homeless, but it has of late come to our attention that there are some families who were affected in one way or the other,” he said.

“For instance, reports are still coming in that some families in the affected wards had books for their children soaked by the rains when disaster struck. Others had their crops in the fields and food stocks in granaries with harvested grains destroyed.”

Mr Hove lauded individuals from within and outside Masvingo for assisting cyclone victims. “The Masvingo Civil Protection Unit wishes to thank all individuals and the corporate world for chipping in with donations towards the affected families in the district,’’ said Mr Hove.

Mr Hove said unlike other districts, roads and infrastructure such as bridges were not seriously affected by the cyclone.