Gwanda residents were left counting their losses after heavy rains and strong winds battered the town last week, causing flash floods that damaged homes, property and infrastructure.
In an interview with Southern Eye, Gwanda mayor Thulani Moyo said councillors swiftly mobilised disaster response teams to assess the damage, assist affected families and restore key services.
Indications are that the flooding, which was worsened by blocked drainage systems, prompted coordinated action from the municipality, the district development coordinator’s office and the office of the Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister.
Moyo said the flash floods were caused by excessive rainfall and poor drainage in several parts of the town.
“Some of the drainage systems were filled with sand washed down from construction sites, council teams were already on the ground clearing the blockages,” he said.
Moyo said the situation was particularly severe in areas where water invaded people’s homes, damaging household property such as sofas, stoves and solar equipment.
“The volume of water was just too much; some houses were flooded and furniture was destroyed,” he said.
Moyo said a bridge in Jacaranda Extension and parts of the local shopping centre were affected by the runoff from nearby hills.
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He said engineers had identified key priority areas where drainage systems needed to be expanded to prevent future flooding.
Moyo said council teams, using borrowed equipment such as tractors and trailers, were working around the clock to remove sand and debris from affected areas.
“We are grateful to our partners who provided machinery and manpower at short notice, complementing the teamwork between council staff, residents and private stakeholders,” he said.
“The assessment revealed that in Garikai Phase One, one two-roomed house lost its roof due to strong winds, while at Sonondo Primary School, a classroom block’s roof was blown off. The winds were very strong and even well-built houses experienced water leakage through windows and roofs,” he said.
Moyo said electricity supply was disrupted after several poles fell, but power was restored three days later.
“We appreciate the efforts of the power utility for acting quickly under difficult conditions,” he said.
He said in a show of solidarity, local leaders, including the area’s Member of Parliament and the district development coordinator’s office, joined forces to assist affected families.
“Temporary shelter and food were provided, while repairs were made to damaged houses. No one was left unattended and the MP also donated funds and building material to help to restore affected homes.
We call upon everyone, miners, residents and businesses, to assist with donations such as cement, zinc sheets or blankets,” he said.
