Masvingo– The heavy rains that pounded the southern parts of the country have left hundreds of Tshovani residents being moved out of their houses following flooding.
Some parts of Masvingo experienced heavy rains yesterday and early today morning that left some trees uprooted and some roads with low lying bridges impassible.
In a notice dated 12 February, the Ministry of Lands, Climate Change, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement said heavy rains expected in the coutry would be in excess of 50mm in 24 hours.
But residents of Chiredzi’s Tshovani high density surburb woke up to find water in their houses, leaving their property destroyed. Some parts of Triangle were affected, while some offices of sugar producer, Tongaat Hullets, were also left flooded.
Fearing that the flooding will increase, soldiers were said to be evacuating people and forcing them off their houses to higher ground.
A resident in Tshovani surburb, Trust Hlobela said the flooding started at around 4am when the rains started falling till around 6 and they were busy taking out their property.
“We woke up with water in our houses and the situation is so bad. If it continues raining, some houses will be submerged. The challenge is that we do not have anywhere to go and soldiers are telling us to move to higher ground. So far, many indications are that we will; be housed at Chetsanga Hall,” he said.
Chiredzi District Administrator, Lovemore Chisema, who also chairs the civil protection commitee, was not picking his phone when called to ascertain the extend of damage and plans to house the affected residents.
