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Masvingo Bureau
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has started rebuilding prison cells whose roofs were blown away at the height of Cyclone Idai that left a trail of destruction across the province.

The cells, which housed high risk and low risk inmates, had their roofs blown off after strong winds and heavy rains swept through Masvingo, forcing prison authorities to evacuate the inmates to other cells.

At least 83 prisoners were affected by the damage which required more than $5 000 to repair.

Officer Commanding ZPCS Masvingo Province Senior Assistant Commissioner Social Ndanga said artisans from his organisation had started rebuilding the damaged cell roofs.

“We have assigned artisans within ZPCS to do the reconstruction work,” he said. “At least 60 percent of the work to reconstruct the roofs of the four cells has so far been covered. The cells accommodate in excess of 80 inmates.

“Some of the building material for the reconstruction of the prison cells came from the ZPSC headquarters, while Voluntary Services Organisation (VSO), a non-governmental organisation, and its implementing partners chipped in with other materials.”

Snr Asst Commissioner Ndanga said they were waiting for more donations to complete the work.

“We are, however, still waiting for other well-wishers to fulfil their pledges towards the reconstruction of part of the main prison whose carrying capacity stands at more than 700 inmates,” he said.

No fatalities were recorded at Mutimurefu when disaster struck, but one of the inmates sustained slight injuries after being hit by an iron sheet.