Flash floods leave trail of destruction in Chipinge’s Mutema-Musikavanhu

VILLAGERS under Mutema-Musikavanhu constituency in Chipinge are picking up the pieces after flash floods swept through the area this week, leaving a trail of destruction.

While the rainy season is traditionally associated with hope and improved harvests, the recent downpours have instead brought misery to communities in the constituency, washing away fields, destroying homes and cutting off key road links.

The heavy downpours, which intensified mid-week, have seen rivers bursting their banks, sending torrents through villages and farmlands and resulting in the death of one, Mutape Tuto Zamuchiya, who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded stream in Zamuchiya area.

“The problem we have come across as a community is quite big because, as it is, we have been cut off from other parts of the district,” a villager said.

Another resident noted that the destruction of crops could result in food shortages.

“Crops were destroyed and this means drought is looming. Foodstuffs, clothes and blankets were washed away, and we need assistance. Above all, we are appealing for a permanent solution to this challenge for future purposes.”

Beyond immediate food aid, the affected communities are calling for a permanent solution to the recurring drainage issues in the area, which include the construction of waterways, as part of initiatives to manage water flow.

“The people here are imploring the government for assistance in terms of excavators and dozers to fix the roads and also establish permanent solutions to this recurring challenge. As of now, school children are facing challenges in going to school due to the damaged roads and flooded bridges. It is farming season, and this means the farming inputs will not reach other parts of this constituency due to the damaged road network,” Mutema-Musikavanhu constituency Ward 23 Councillor, Councillor Shingai Gapara noted.

This Friday, the Legislator for Mutema-Musikavanhu constituency, Honourable Angeline Gata conducted an emergency assessment of the flood-hit areas, which include Rimbi, Mbeure, Maria and Mwacheta villages.

“Out of the 21 wards we have in this constituency, 15 wards were affected. Roads were destroyed, crops were destroyed and in other cases, we have established that the rainwater also got into people’s houses and properties and foodstuffs were destroyed. We are on the ground to get the exact details and the extent of the damage. Manyezu Bridge and Mutema Bridge were washed away. We are here to collect information on this challenge so that we take it up to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and to the responsible authorities. We also brought with us blankets and groceries for the affected families.”

While the rains have subsided slightly, the community remains on high alert with the local leadership advising villagers in low-lying areas to move to higher ground as more rainfall is forecast over the coming days.

In Manicaland Province, districts that include Chipinge and Chimanimani are the worst affected by flash floods and strong winds due to climate change. ZBC