500 free homes for Masvingo

A GROUP of non-governmental organisations and other Government arms have embarked on the reconstruction of Cyclone Idai-damaged infrastructure in four affected districts in Masvingo with reports indicating that more than 500 homes have been targeted.

The organisations which include China Aid, Methodist Development Agency, Christian Care and Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) are already on the ground for the project.

In an interview Masvingo provincial development co-ordinator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa said a lot was going on in areas that were affected by the Cyclone, which also caused severe damage in Chimanimani and Chipinge in Manicaland Province. About 300 people died while more than 5 000 homes were destroyed with 300 villagers and residents still missing up to this day, according to aid agencies. In Masvingo, five people were killed in Bikita while several were injured.

“We have a number of ongoing projects related to Cyclone Idai. Government and our development partners are in four affected districts addressing issues of shelter and water. Methodist Development Agency is already working on reconstructing about 450 houses for the affected villagers while Christian Care is working on 40 houses in four districts,” said Mr Mbetsa.

He said visits to the affected districts have shown that there was progress and affected families would be able to have decent shelter before the onset of the rains.

“I had site visits in the last two weeks as I wanted to see for myself the progress on the ground. I am only left with Zaka after I visited Bikita, Gutu and Masvingo districts. IBDZ is also reconstructing classroom blocks at three schools in Bikita. We also have China Aid which has started the process of drilling boreholes in the affected areas and those worst affected ones will get more of these water facilities. If it is agreeable, we hope that the same partner covers our most of dry districts that include Chivi and Mwenezi to address water challenges,” he said.