Masvingo calls for help

22 Mar 2019

Cyclone Idai hit five districts in Masvingo Province and these are Gutu, Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi and Masvingo.

The province recorded five deaths (2 children and 3 adults). There are 5214 households that were affected in various ways in the whole province. In Bikita 3134 were affected, 948 in Gutu, 753 in Zaka, 35 in Chiredzi and 345 Masvingo. A total of 17 from Zaka and Bikita sustained injuries.

13 schools were affected in Gutu district, 71 blair toilets washed away and two classroom blocks collapsed. Guzuve Primary School in Gutu was completely destroyed by the cyclone and the roof of Mutimurefu prison cells and kitchen was blown away.

To assist the affected people of Masvingo, well wishers can donate any of the items listed below:

• Food items including maize, cabbages, beans, matemba, cooking oil
• Clothes including underwear and shoes
• Sanitary wear
• Roofing sheets
• Toothpaste and tooth brushes,
• 400 litres of fuel to transport grain
• Vehicles to ferry the food to the actual victims
• Blankets
• Tents

Non food items including soaps for bathing and washing

Minister of State, Ezra Chadzamira, came up with an idea of engaging the private sector and NGOs to help the victims affected by Cyclone Idai. The resources donated will be channelled to the Civil Protection Unit that will distribute to the victims.

The information was compiled the Provincial Cyclone Idai Coordinating Committee on Thursday 21 March 2019.