MUTARE– The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and national Housing has started the process of allocating stands at Nedziwa Growth Point in Chimanimani for the construction of houses for Cyclone Idai survivors.
By Donald Nyarota
The exercise is part of Public Works’ efforts to provide descent accommodation to hundreds of families that were left homeless in the aftermath of the violent Cyclone Idai which hit the Eastern parts of the country.
The tropical cyclone also affected Mozambique and Malawi, leaving a trail of destruction in Chimanimani, Chipinge and parts of Masvingo province where hundreds were left dead, missing while others were left homeless.
Chimanimani East legislator Joshua Sacco confirmed the latest development which has been made possible by funds made available by the Ministry of Local Governance.
Sacco said the allocation of the stands is already in progress to ensure that the victims find closure to the sad chapter through decent accommodation.
“The allocation of stands at Nedziwa Growth Point in Chimanimani to accommodate people who were affected by Cyclone Idai, started last week. We want to give them stands so that they have a sense of belonging.
“We have secured funds from the Ministry of Local Government for the project, however, we have realized that most people want to be near Ngangu,” he said
Sacco added that they are set to relocate 167 families who still living in the tents
“We have 167 families who are living in tents, therefore, we are going to allocate them stands first before involving other people,” he said.
However, MDC Alliance aspiring Member of Parliament, Canaan Matiashe, who narrowly lost to incumbent Nokhutula Matsikenyeri for the Chimanimani West constituency in the previous election said the families should have been relocated in time before the rain season.
Matiashe said this exposes government’s misplaced priorities as they are now racing against time to relocate these affected families, something that could have done long before.
“We really appreciate what the government is doing, but this could have been done way before the rainy season. This just goes to show that the government has misplaced priorities. This was supposed to be one of their main priorities,” he said
