Zimpapers Logo

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

Stakeholders from the Beitbridge Civil Protection Committee are encouraging community members here to consider constructing buildings that are designed to withstand the impact of climate-change-induced disasters.

Over the past five years, learning facilities have been destroyed while villagers were left homeless due to natural disasters.

In some instances, houses, classroom blocks, bridges, health facilities and other key infrastructure have been extensively damaged during rainy seasons.

A few fatal incidents have been reported in Beitbridge.

“We have had several disasters linked to changes in weather patterns around the district and it is high time people started building climate-resilient infrastructure to minimise the effects of climate change,” said Mr Jahson Mugodzwa, the focal person for civil protection matters in the District Development Coordinator’s office.

“This is being done in several countries and we need to adopt it to protect key infrastructure from further damages, especially schools, roads and bridges, among other things.”

A seasoned development worker, Mr Liberty Masilinge said it is important for community leaders to consider climate-resilient schools for learning institutions.

He said the current designs are vulnerable to storms and strong winds.

Mr Masilinge said although it may be expensive to adopt new plans, communities can work on the new structures in a phased approach.

“We need to advocate for this new way of building so that we minimise the effects of these recurring natural disasters. Let us innovate and build better.”

World Vision Zimbabwe manager for Matibe cluster, Mrs Pretty Dube said they have invested US$33 000 in the construction of a climate-resilient classroom block at Tshaswingo Primary School in Beitbridge East.

She said they have also upgraded water and sanitation facilities to complement the Government’s thrust of creating child-friendly schools.

“The costs to put up climate-resilient infrastructure might be relatively higher, but it is worth it. The buildings will be durable and will resist the impact associated with hailstorms that normally damage infrastructure,” she said.

Beitbridge East Member of Parliament, Cde Albert Nguluvhe said the introduction of climate-resilient infrastructure to minimise climate-related disasters is long overdue.

He said the move will save resources in the long run.

Apart from natural causes, humans also cause climate change by releasing greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere.