Beitbridge CPU on high alert

THE Civil Protection Unit in Beitbridge has been put on high alert, amid fears of floods in the wake of heavy rains that continue to pound most parts of the district.

District Administrator Mrs Kiliboni Ndou-Mbedzi, who chairs the local CPU, said they embarked on floods awareness campaigns to educate communities living in low-lying areas on disaster and risk management methods.

She said communities living close to water bodies such as dams and rivers were at high risk of flooding if the rains were to continue.

Some of the flood prone areas include Shashe, Tongwe, Makakavule, Tshikwalakwala and those close to Zhovhe Dam.

“Besides the floods risk, the rains have left a trail of destruction on key infrastructure,” said Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi. “Most major roads were left inaccessible, while some bridges have been washed away.

“In addition, we have noted that most water bodies are filling up, with some streams close to reaching flood level, hence the need to educate members of the community to be wary of impending disaster.

“We are engaging the people through ward councillors, traditional leaders, among other stakeholders.”

Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi said teams had been sent out to assess the situation in floods hot spots in the district.

According to Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi, pole and mud houses top the list of infrastructure which collapses during flash floods.

“We urge people to be conscious of changes around their areas,” she said. “They should use our usually reliable communication channels. This will ensure we attend to problems as and when they arise.”

Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi urged people to exercise extreme caution when crossing flooded or fast-flowing rivers and streams on foot or by vehicle.

In January 2013, 12 people drowned in the eastern part of the district, while another 20 were left homeless after floods swept the area.

Three years later, 777 people from 225 households in Beitbridge town were left stranded after their houses were flooded following heavy rains in the border town.