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Midlands Bureau
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) in Kwekwe District has started pitching tents and mobilising food for 32 families that were affected by a violent storm that swept through Zhombe and Silobela, destroying homes, including that of Chief Gobo of Silobela, last week.

In an interview, Kwekwe District Assistant Administrator Ms Margaret Mhlanga said the CPU was working together with the corporate world and other Government departments to assist the affected families.

“At the weekend we were busy pitching tents in the affected areas,” she said. “In Silobela, we pitched tents in ward 18 and Ward 5.”

Ms Mhlanga said the social welfare department had moved in to provide food to the affected families.

She called on the corporate world and non-governmental organisations to chip in and help the affected families.

“We have 32 families which were affected,” said Ms Mhlanga.

“Some had their homes destroyed by the storm while others had their roofs blown away.

“We are doing what is within our means as the Kwekwe District CPU to help out the affected families, but we appeal, to the corporate world to assist with food.

“We have some families whose food stocks were destroyed in the storm.”

Ms Mhlanga said two schools had roofs blown off by strong winds, while some villagers were injured by flying   asbestos.

“There were people who were injured, some of them went to seek medical attention at Silobela District Hospital following the mishap,” she said.

“We also have two schools that were affected, Edzai Mpumelelo and St Peters Primary schools.

“The roofs of some of the classrooms were blown off and we have sent a team there to assess the situation so that we see how best we can assist teachers and pupils so that lessons can resume.”