Rains: A Blessing and Curse in Rural Gwanda

Matshiya Primary School in Gwanda recently had its roof blown away following torrential rains accompanied by heavy winds.

Following the prolonged dry spell in Gwanda district, the arrival of the eagerly awaited rainfall was considered a blessing. But several families are in tears after the rains left a trail of destruction.

BY MELODY MPANDE | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | FEB 20, 2023

GWANDA (The Citizen Bulletin) — In Mbaulo-Mabuze, a river cutting along the biggest informal settlement in Gwanda South recently washed away about 25 homesteads.

Suku Ncube, a villager, tells a sad story of how she woke up one morning to find her house flooded, and her belongings floating around her compound.

The rooftop of her house caved in as the rains accompanied by strong winds pounded the area relentlessly in January, 2023, she says.

“Since the rains started, it has been like this. Everything is wet; we have lost everything,” says Ncube as she desperately scoops water out from her living room with a small bucket.

Families in surrounding villages such as Enyandeni and Gwakwe were left stranded and counting losses after torrential rains accompanied by heavy winds pounded the area.

An assessment by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) shows that about 25 homesteads have been affected, says Thulani Moyo, Acting Gwanda District Development Coordinator.

At Dwala village, the rains also swept away livestock and planted crops, leaving villagers staring hunger.

Hlopheni Dube from Dwala village says he was left with nothing after all his belongings including his homestead were destroyed by the rains.

“My heart is heavy,” Dube says,

“I don't know where to begin or how l will be able to feed my family. I have lost everything,” he adds.

According to reports, rains have reversed little development efforts at the poor district, says Moyo.

“At Matshiya Primary School, wind blew off roofs of 8 classrooms. The destruction is very bad, and new roofing is required.”
Thulani Moyo, Acting Gwanda District Development Coordinator

“At Kafusi Secondary School, lightning hit a classroom and it sustained a number of cracks; fortunately no casualties were reported there,” he says.

Moyo says the Gwanda District Council in partnership with the CPU, has been having awareness campaigns warning villagers about the danger of the rains to save lives.

ALSO READ: Prolonged Dry Spells Leave Families facing Starvation

“Community leaders have also been engaged to assist us in spreading the message. So far, we have been discouraging people from crossing flooded rivers,” he says.

Gwanda Rural District Councillor, Mthokozosi Tshuma adds: “We are urging villagers to be highly alert and encouraging them to carry out any repairs that may be required on their structures before more rains come.”

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