Zimpapers Logo

Manicaland Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has assisted four families in Mutasa district whose homesteads were destroyed by fire in suspected cases of arson last month.

The families received beds, groceries, clothes and other basic necessities.

Speaking during the handover of the goods on Monday, Mutasa district administrator Mr Tendai Kapenzi urged villagers to put fire guards around their homesteads as a way of preventing loss of life and property when fires start.

He also encouraged villagers to use peaceful means to resolve disputes.

“We do not want these kinds of scenarios to occur in our district,” he said. “I urge you to settle your disputes amicably. I also urge you to put fireguards around your homesteads as a way of guarding against loss of life.”

Mr Kapenzi said his office had been briefed by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) that there were arson cases in the district and Government had found it necessary to assist the victims.

“Food, beds, clothes and many more items were sent to assist the families after CPU and the district chairman saw it fit to help the affected,” he said.

“Government should be seen coming to the rescue of its people in such situations and that is what we are doing.

“We are still investigating the causes of the fire, although it is widely believed that the houses were destroyed after social disputes, which we advise villagers to stop immediately to maintain peace in the district.”

In an interview with The Herald, headman George Chidawanyika of Sanyamandwe Ward 11 urged Mutasa villagers to avoid playing with fire and to alert the kraal head as well as neighbours before engaging in any activities involving fire.

He said they were holding meetings to do with fire prevention in the district in a bid to educate the villagers on how to protect themselves.

Ms Raviro Kagweda (50) from Ward 14 in Mutasa appreciated the assistance that she received from Government.