Cletus Mushanawani Mash Central Bureau Chief

GOVERNMENT has mainstreamed climate change in development planning at district, provincial and national levels in view of an increase in the incidence of climate-related disasters.

Speaking during a climate change workshop in Bindura last week, acting Mashonaland Central provincial development coordinator Mr Cosmas Chiringa said most communities were vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, hence the need to raise awareness within the leadership and planning authorities.

“The nation was caught unawares by Cyclone Idai. We reacted and were not proactive.

“Mashonaland Central is an agricultural and mining province and its lifeline relies on weather patterns. In recent times, there has been a shift in weather patterns, thus affecting both the agricultural and mining operations in the province. Of late, we have been experiencing extreme weather conditions in terms of floods, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). These have not only affected the agricultural operations in the province, but the day-to-day lives of the populace. There has been a decline in water levels in most water bodies, causing problems in the availability of the precious liquid both for domestic and agricultural purposes.

“Livestock has perished due to droughts that have been persistent in the past years, especially in Mt Darwin and Rushinga.”

Mr Chiringa said while climate change and climate variation had been topical, there was need to plan accordingly to mitigate against the effects of the changing weather patterns.

“Cases of drowning and loss of life as well as property during the rainy season have been reported,” he said.

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