Government assures Kafue hail storm victims

LUSAKA Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata has assured the more than 30 families whose houses were yesterday destroyed following a hailstorm in Soloboni compound in Kafue district that government will provide relief food and provide other logistical support.

Mrs Mulyata says that government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) will ensure that all the victims of the hailstorm get relief food and that those whose houses completely collapsed get tents for shelter.

Mrs Mulyata notes that several schools and churches have also had their roofs blown off, stating that government will provide the necessary help in the area.

She stressed the need to quickly rehabilitate the schools before the reopening of the school calendar in January next year.

And Lusaka Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Robert Kamalata noted that government foresees destruction of infrastructure in some parts of the Province following the poor rainfall pattern.

Mr Kamalata states that according to the Meteorological Department, the Province will experience destruction of infrastructure due to the prolonged dry hot spell which he said will cause hailstorms.

Earlier, Kafue District Administrative Officer, Josephine Phiri revealed that over 30 houses have been destroyed in Chamusale and Matanda wards of Kafue Constituency.

She stated that several schools and churches had their roofs blown off while some walls had collapsed.

And DMMU Regional Coordinator Newton Malaya said government has provided tents, mealie meal and blankets.

Mr Malaya said the DMMU will provide more logistics once a full report is made.