VP Mohadi visits Binga flood victims
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi yesterday visited Nsungwaale area in Binga to assess damage caused by floods that hit the areas last month and pledged Government commitment to ensure that all affected villagers are catered for.
VP Mohadi arrived in Binga on Friday where he commissioned the Binga Community Craft Centre and Kasambezi Border Post and slept over at the tourism centre. Yesterday, he visited Nsungwaale area to view the bridge across Nsungwaale River which was destroyed by the floods that killed one elderly person and damaged 181 homesteads as well as affecting 37 families.
Addressing hundreds of villagers at Nsungwaale Business Centre after the tour of the bridge, VP Mohadi said the Second Republic had pledged that no citizen should starve in Zimbabwe.
“I am happy to be with you but at the same time sad that you were affected by floods. As Government we decided that your Provincial Minister Richard Moyo should literally stay here so that he updates us on what is needed. He told us that people have no food and water and we resolved that there should be boreholes while people should be moved to safer areas.
“As the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, we have said no one will starve in Zimbabwe. I have come and seen the situation which means the President has seen it too. So going forward things will change as we will see to it that you get what you want. You are not alone, we are together. Just report to your leaders, they will come and tell us,” said VP Mohadi.
He said the Government was there to serve interests and will of the people. VP Mohadi said since he had personally visited the area and interacted with villagers, he will take the issue to the President and Government will see to it that it remains in touch with the area to make sure all its promises are implemented.
Among the promises, he said, Government will make sure the 80km Binga-Siabuwa Road is rehabilitated and boreholes are sunk across the district as Binga was facing a shortage of safe and clean water for household use. The District Development Fund is drilling a borehole at the temporary camp where the 37 affected families are supposed to be accommodated.
Thirty-nine of the 300 donated tents have been erected but none of the victims have moved in as some are still staying with relatives while some are reportedly pushing to be relocated to Chijalila Game Reserve a few kilometres away.
VP Mohadi urged the villagers to move to the tents until their new homesteads are built.
“Government will assist until you are self-sustaining. We mourn together with you on the death of one elderly man who died because of the floods. I also come from an equally dry area like Binga and I know how you feel. We will try by all means to assist you to get all your needs. We are your leaders but we are not different from you because we are your children,” said VP Mohadi while urging the community to remain united.
He paid gratitude to various organisations that have donated different kinds of goods to the victims. Save the Children Zimbabwe donated building material comprising 120 bags of cement, roofing material, paint, door and window frames all worth US$14 998 while Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi donated 10 tonnes of mealiemeal, green bars of soap, rice, porridge and clothes all worth $125 000 which were handed over to the victims yesterday.
Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Richard Moyo said his office will work tirelessly towards the development of every community. He appealed to the victims to co-operate with authorities and move into the tents.
Chief Sindali of Binga praised VP Mohadi for commiserating with the people by spending two days in the district and well-wishers for donating to the affected. Also present were Minister of State in VP Mohadi’s Office Cde Davis Marapira, Chiefs Sikalenge, Siabua and senior Government officials.