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Elita Chikwati in Bikita
The Bikita community has commended the District Development Fund public works programme for spearheading the resuscitation of infrastructure destroyed by Cyclone Idai and creating employment for the  locals.

Through its projects, DDF has assisted the community to get back to its normal life by opening up some areas which had become inaccessible.

In Masvingo province, 460 kilometres of roads, two major bridges and 70 other crossings were destroyed, while 101 boreholes were affected, with 58 requiring flushing, while the remaining 53 need repairing.

Some of the community members are benefiting economically as they have been employed by DDF as casual workers.

Bikita had 40 kilometres of road washed away, as well as bridges, the piped water system was also destroyed and 15 boreholes were flooded and now require flushing.

DDF has since erected some makeshift bridges to help the community access other areas while working on permanent structures.

Some water pipes that were washed away by the cyclone have also been replaced and people now have access to safe water.

Bikita Ward 24 resident Mrs Kenia Mafongoya said life had become difficult as a result of the trail of destruction left by the cyclone.

“Because the bridges had been swept away, parents had to accompany children to school and collect them, while in some areas children missed lessons as it was risky to cross flooded rivers,” she said.

“DDF came and worked with the community to reconstruct the structures destroyed by the cyclone. In most areas, people can now cross the rivers.”

Mrs Jennifer Gumireshe, a widow who has been employed by DDF as a casual, said the projects have benefited the local community through employment creation.

“I have a child and also look after my parents,” she said. “I have been employed to work on the construction project and this will help me fend for my family. A number of women have also benefited from the projects and this will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of people in the community.”

Mr Silas Bindi said some youths were also working on the projects.

“Cyclone Idai destroyed our area and we are willing to work with DDF in reconstructing the destroyed structures,” he said. “Being employed as a casual worker is a double blessing as I am contributing towards the well-being of our area and at the same time getting an income.”

DDF Masvingo provincial roads manager Mr Paul Urunga said the parastatal was working on refurbishing destroyed structures, but in some cases they were re-aligning and shifting the road sites.

“We are currently mobilising materials and working on several pipe drifts,” he said. “We have identified new sites and we are working with members of the community.”

DDF Masvingo provincial co-ordinator Mr Marasa Gutukunuhwa said Chigumisirwa area had its piped water system destroyed by the cyclone.

“The water system serviced Chigumisirwa and Boora primary schools, Masekai Secondary School, Chigumisirwa Clinic, four villages and Chigumisirwa community,” he said. “This affected many operations. We have since replaced the water pipes and the communities can now access  water.

“A lot of structures in Dewure Resettlement area were destroyed. We need to work on two structures along Musaizi River and in Chibvure. We are currently mobilising locally available materials and we hope in the next four months we should be through.”