Heavy rains wreak havoc in Mat North and South

Alex Ndhlovu

Heavy rains which descended upon some parts of Matabeleland North and South left a tail of destruction, destroying property and buildings worth thousands.

The rains, which were accompanied by strong winds hit Matshabi Secondary School in Matebeleland North Nkayi District Ward Five area, destroying its administration block and houses that accommodate teachers.

The winds also hit Manama hospital in Matebeleland South Gwanda District, destroying maternity wards.

The damage in Gwanda has left the hospital in need of urgent rehabilitation.

Civil unit Chairperson in Matebeleland South Thulani Moyo said they are in the process of mobilising funds to repair damages at the hospital.

“There are about 13 mothers that are expecting to receive the service of the hospital and they have been affected in the sense that the whole maternity ward has been ripped down,” said Moyo.

The Department of Public works estimates that the damage requires an estimated cost of USD$40 000 for refurbishment.

Heavy rains regularly cause damage in country’s low lying areas like Binga, Muzarabani,Tsholotsho and the Lowveld, however, in recent times areas which were considered to be relatively arid like Gwanda and Nkayi are now being affected in equal measure.