Hailstorm destroys Chimanimani school

PROPERTY worth $4 000 was destroyed after a hailstorm ripped off the roof of two classroom blocks and teachers’ houses at Chayamiti Primary School in Chimanimani.

The hailstorm, which also destroyed villagers’ houses in Ward 9, left a trail of destruction that also forced nine teachers to share three houses, which survived the February 16 storm.

Some school furniture was also destroyed in the process.

Chayamiti Primary School head Mr Isaiah Chuma told The Herald that the school was appealing for assistance from individuals and corporate organisations to rehabilitate the buildings.

“The estimated cost of the damage is about $4 000,” he said.

“Although we had no injuries caused to the students, the storm blew away classroom roofs and houses that were sheltering teachers”

Mr Chuma said the teachers were forced to share rooms at the three remaining houses, while students were having lessons in the open.

“We are appealing to well-wishers who can assist us in getting the roofing materials, cement and any other materials that allow us to rehabilitate the school,” he said.

“As we speak, nine teachers are sharing three houses that have not been ravaged by the storm.

“The situation is dire. On the day in question, there was a strong wind, which swept away the sheets and some of the furniture was destroyed in the process.

“Some of villagers’ houses were not spared too. People were left in the open after the strong winds blew their houses’ roofs.”

Member of Parliament for the area Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyere said she would be visiting the school to assess the damage.

“I received the sad news about Chayamiti Primary, which was destroyed by storm,” she said.

“I will be visiting the school tomorrow (today) to see how best we can assist the school. I am told that the storm destroyed classrooms and teachers’ houses.”