Zimpapers Logo

Cletus Mushanawani in Mutare
MUTARE City Council has spruced up the Mutare Aerodrome as the place is now a hive of activity with helicopters and light aircraft using it to carry supplies to Cyclone Idai victims in Chimanimani.

In partnership with Africa University which has availed its tractor while the local authority provides fuel, they have managed to cut the tall grass at the aerodrome, thereby creating more landing and take-off space.

In an interview, the town clerk, Mr Joshua Maligwa, said: “Our aerodrome is now a hive of activity and we have been working flat out to spruce up the image.

This is the easiest gateway of disaster relief aid to Chimanimani and Chipinge and we want to ensure that there is more landing and take-off space.

“We have also repaired some of the infrastructure at the aerodrome despite the fact that some of it is now under private hands. We want efficiency at the aerodrome and we will attend to any issue that will have been brought to our attention timeously,” he said.

The local authority has also seconded its dozer and tipper to help in the rehabilitation of destroyed roads in Chimanimani.

“We know that our roads are in a poor state after the cyclone, but we saw it fit to assist our brothers and sisters who are in dire need. We are being told that some areas are still to get relief because of the damaged roads and we hope our equipment will also come in handy and help in the opening of the roads.

“Through the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe, we donated $15 000 and also sourced for foodstuff worth $5 000. We have also been providing food to all those who attending provincial and district civil protection meetings since day one when they convened to respond to the Chimanimani disaster,” he said.

Mutare City Council has also partnered with flea market vendors to donate 30 bales of second-hand clothes and shoes which has since been dispatched for distribution.

They have also mobilised their junior council to play an active role in raising donations from schools in Mutare District through civvies days which were held at most schools last Thursday and Friday.

At one of the schools, Chancellor Junior School there was an overwhelming response with learners donating in cash and kind.