Budiriro Flooding . . . health time bomb looms
A number of Budiriro families who were affected by recent flooding are sitting on a health time bomb.
According to reports, a number of children have developed eye and skin infections as a result of contact with contaminated water. Approximately 93 families have built their houses along the Marimba stream wetland land area west of Budiriro 5B on land not zoned for building.
The residents have been having sleepless nights since January 10. “We are now living in fear. A number of our children have developed red eyes after scooping out the floods.
“Some have disturbing skin rush and there’s no medical attention.
“The water was contaminated with raw sewage plus chemicals.
“This is not our only worry. Water borne diseases have also joined the queue,” said Susan Chaputika, one of the victims.
Efforts by the Civil Protection Unit, together with the Social Welfare, which could have seen the families relocated hit a brick wall last week.
The unit had planned to house the families at Budiriro 1 High School but halted because cyclone Eloise had changed its course.
However, Chaputika said they will only allow their relocation after being allocated new stands.
“We appreciate efforts to relocate us done by the Civil Protection Unit, but what’s holding us is assurance to have a permanent place to build our houses.
“We can only leave the wetlands after council commits to allocate us new stands because we have been paying rates every month to council,” she said.
A makeshift bridge that connects the wetlands to Budiriro CABS area is also under threat.
The bridge was built after a crowd fund of US40 per family.
“We are appealing for help to construct a safer bridge because
“There is no other way besides using the bridge, it’s our last resort,” she said.
The Meteorological Services Department has said heavy rains are still probable across the country and people must not attempt to cross flooded rivers or swollen streams.