Devastating storm leaves Goromonzi community in disarray
Goromonzi district has been ravaged by severe storms, causing significant damage to two schools and 60 houses and leaving the community in a state of distress.
Munhenga Ward 7 councillor in Goromonzi North, Ernest Chako, expressed the community’s plight in an interview at Howson Primary School in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East.
The destructive incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Monday, when the storms ripped off roof trusses at Howson and Mwanza primary schools, as well as at Chabwino Clinic. The clinic suffered a substantial loss, with medicines and important documents destroyed. The community now finds itself in a dire situation, with little remaining resources. Councillor Chako urgently called for assistance from well-wishers as the reopening of schools approaches, fearing the impact on children’s education.
Teachers’ houses at the affected schools were also not spared from the storm’s wrath, compromising their working conditions and adding to the challenges faced by the community. Chabwino and Howson primary schools, located in Goromonzi near Harare, provide education to children from the local community, charging affordable fees. However, the aftermath of the storm may force some students to seek alternative schooling options.
Prisca Dube, the district civil protection chairperson, reported that only maize was available to support the affected households. She notified the provincial board of the incident and submitted quotations for necessary renovations, awaiting a response to address the pressing needs.
Dube attributed some of the destruction suffered to the poor quality of building materials used in construction. In some cases, houses were constructed with poles and dagga, which proved inadequate to withstand the force of the storm. This highlights the importance of utilizing sturdy and appropriate building materials to ensure resilience against natural disasters.
The heavy rains have impacted numerous areas across the country, particularly rural communities. The Goromonzi district now faces the arduous task of rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing support to affected households. The community remains hopeful that swift assistance and resources will be extended to aid in their recovery, enabling them to overcome the challenges posed by this devastating natural calamity.
