Masvingo flood victims desperate

News
LOCAL Government minister Ignatius Chombo (pictured) yesterday told Senate that government had so far evacuated 120 out of the 2 514 families following the floods that hit areas around the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam in Masvingo.

LOCAL Government minister Ignatius Chombo (pictured) yesterday told Senate that government had so far evacuated 120 out of the 2 514 families following the floods that hit areas around the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam in Masvingo.

VENERANDA LANGA SENIOR REPORTER

He appealed to NGOs, individuals and the corporate sector to chip in with humanitarian assistance for the families.

“The Air Force has airlifted more than 50 people who were marooned in the basin to safety and air rescue is also taking place countrywide in response to emergency calls,” Chombo said, adding that most of the affected families were running away from the rescue teams for fear of losing their properties.

“Nine boreholes have been drilled in the relocation sites, nine tractors are in place for extrication of families from the water front to staging posts on higher ground, eight tractors, tents to give shelter to 2 114 families are in urgent demand, mosquito nets for 7 542 people, water purification and food for emergency feeding for those who lost their stock as well as sustenance for one year will also need to be provided,” he added.

Chombo also appealed for thatch grass to help the relocated families roof their makeshift houses.