Government has begun implementing emergency relief and reconstruction measures in Masvingo following last week’s devastating hailstorm, which damaged thousands of homes, public institutions and critical infrastructure across the province.
The response includes food distribution, medical assistance, psychosocial support and the rehabilitation of damaged public facilities, with Government coordinating efforts involving the private sector, development partners, civil society and local authorities.
Addressing journalists, during yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, said Government had activated civil protection structures at national, provincial and district levels to coordinate relief and recovery operations.
“The public is being informed that Government, through Civil Protection Structures at National, Provincial and District levels, activated a comprehensive national response and resilience-building initiative, including involving the public and private sectors, development partners, civil society, local authorities and affected communities,” said Dr Soda.
He informed that a command centre had since been established at the Masvingo Civic Centre to facilitate the timely delivery of emergency assistance and ensure a coordinated response.
He said Government had dispatched 90 tonnes of mealie-meal and 90 tonnes of rice, while cooperating partners were providing additional food and non-food assistance to 6 711 vulnerable households.
The beneficiaries include elderly people, persons with disabilities, child-headed households, children and people with chronic illnesses.
To address the psychological impact of the disaster, Government has deployed 40 social workers to provide counselling and psychosocial support, working alongside faith-based organisations.
Dr Soda said rehabilitation of damaged Government accommodation was underway, with 33 houses having been renovated, while work on the remaining 15 was expected to be completed within a week.
Power supplies to affected health facilities, including Masvingo Provincial Hospital, have also been restored to support the continued delivery of essential medical services.
Government is further replacing damaged telecommunications infrastructure, solar installations, computer laboratories and electricity-support systems at schools and other institutions.
The disaster affected an estimated 17 000 houses, including 8 500 rooftops, five health centres, five tertiary institutions and 29 schools across Masvingo, Chivi and Gutu districts.
Government infrastructure was also affected, with 173 housing units and offices, electricity installations and other public utility assets sustaining damage.
Dr Soda said resources would continue to be mobilised to repair affected schools and other public infrastructure under a whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach.
He also called for fair pricing of building materials to ensure that reconstruction efforts were not undermined by excessive costs.
The ongoing interventions are aimed at restoring essential services, supporting vulnerable households and rebuilding damaged infrastructure, while strengthening national preparedness and resilience against future disasters.
