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Victor Maphosa Mash East Correspondent
The Department of Social Welfare has come to the rescue of hundreds of villagers in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe who were left homeless after heavy rains that fell in the area recently destroyed their houses.

The villagers received groceries and building materials through their local authorities recently at a ceremony held at Chitsungo Primary School in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe.

In a speech read on her behalf by provincial deputy director Mr Pafunge Mapfumo, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Apoloniah Munzverengi said Government will never watch idly while the people were suffering, hence a swift response to the dire situation in that district.

“The Government will not watch idly while our people suffer. Today I have managed, through my office and the Department of Social Welfare, to source a few goodies to help you in this difficult time,” she said.

“This includes doors, door frames, cooking oil, soap and grain. Government of Zimbabwe, through the Department of Social Welfare, has the mandate for social protection of all citizens in times of need.

“I have been made aware that over 130 families bore the worst of the storm and had their entire homes, properties and livelihoods were destroyed.”

Cde Munzverengi said as soon as she heard of the disaster, Government activated the district and provincial civil protection units to bring aid to the affected urgently.

She urged responsible authorities in the affected wards to distribute the donations fairly and ensure everyone received the aid accordingly.

Cde Munzverengi called upon the humanitarian community to give a hand in rebuilding the UMP community.

“I am aware that what we brought today is not adequate, but I appeal to the responsible authorities to share the goods fairly,” she said.

“We are, therefore, also calling out to our friends in the humanitarian community to help us rebuild the UMP community.

“We cannot afford to have children sleeping outside as the rains approach, we, therefore, call for the systematic distribution of assistance using the formal structures.”

Cde Munzverengi warned those who were benefiting from the suffering of others to desist from such, saying the new administration would never tolerate such activities.

She applauded chiefs and headmen in UMP for helping their subjects in times of disasters and urged them to continue supporting them whenever necessary.

Cde Munzverengi said Government will continue to work towards rebuilding houses for the affected communities and improve their living standards.

The heavy rains, which ravaged the UMP district, killed a six-year-old girl and injured many.

The girl has since been buried.