Visit cyclone-hit areas — minister Dr Gwaradzimba

Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
MANICALAND Provincial Affairs Minister Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba has urged people to visit Chimanimani and Chipinge to get an appreciation of how Cyclone Idai destroyed communities.

Dr Gwaradzimba said people can pool transport and travel in groups so that they can minimise costs as they  visit the affected areas to see for themselves how the devastating the cyclone was.

She said this on Easter Monday while addressing people affected by the cyclone at Chipendeke Primary School in Mutare South.

“Every day I receive reports at my office of areas that were affected by cyclone which need support,” she said. “I have received reports that there are families which were affected by cyclone here in Mutare South, that is why we came here. We have brought you items that will be distributed to you.

“We all know how the cyclone destroyed infrastructure and claimed lives. So far we have 334 people who died, 347 went missing while 158 were swept into Mozambique where they were buried.

“The worst happened in Chimanimani and I want you to also visit those areas to see for yourselves the extent of the damage. You can form groups and organise transport so that you get there and fully appreciate how it destroyed communities there.”

Dr Gwaradzimba urged people who have not yet ascertained the whereabouts of their relatives to register their details with the Civil Protection Unit or her office.

She said efforts were still being made to search for those who are still missing.

“As we all know, Chimanimani and Chipinge were the hub for agricultural activities with people visiting the places to procure different fruits for resale,” said Dr Gwaradzimba.

“There is a possibility that some people were caught by the cyclone while they were in Chimanimani or Chipinge buying those fruits. We do not have records for such people and if you know of anyone or a relative whose whereabouts are not known since then, please come forward with the details.

Gold

“We also have people who were panning for gold who could have been caught in the disaster and we do not have their records. So, we are still making efforts to try and account for those people.”

Mutare South lawmaker Cde Jefrey Ngome assured people that food aid would be distributed in his constituency.

Cde Ngome said all the infrastructure, including bridges which were swept away, would be repaired.

“Aid is coming and Government has made assurances that no one will suffer from hunger,” he said. “Food will be distributed to all irrespective of whether you have been affected by the cyclone or not. Cyclone Idai affected everyone although in different ways, that is why we are saying everyone must get assistance.”

Mutare Rural District administrator Mr Wilson Bore and Mutare Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Washington Chinake attended the meeting.

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