Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
Government is responding to weather-related damage in Matabeleland South, where strong winds damaged houses and clinics, Parliament heard on Wednesday.
The issue was raised by legislators who asked how prepared the Government was to respond to storms, heavy rain, and strong winds that have been damaging houses and schools.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi said Matabeleland South had experienced rainfall that was unusual for the area.
“We rarely experience rainfall in other areas like Matabeleland South. Many houses and clinics had their roofs removed by the wind,” Ziyambi said.
He said the Government had allocations set aside for such challenges and relied on District Development Coordinators to report problems that could not be resolved at district level.
Ziyambi said some affected areas had been visited by members of the Civil Protection Unit to assess whether the challenges could be addressed locally.
“We had some districts such as Chivi, Mwenezi, and Matebelelend South where we were told that all those hazards took place,” he said.
He said if a district could not resolve a problem, it would be referred to central government for assistance.
Ziyambi also said the Civil Protection Unit was responsible for addressing immediate needs following disasters, including providing shelter to families who lose their homes.
“If a disaster happens, like if you lose your home, the immediate remedial action is to ensure that the family is taken care of and shelter is provided,” he said.
He added that a declaration of a national disaster could unlock additional funding beyond what was available through the Civil Protection Unit.
