Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – The Bandama Dam collapse in Chipinge has resulted in a heartbreaking loss of five lives, including two young daughters of a mother who was doing laundry when the dam gave in.
The tragic incident unfolded last Sunday, when a powerful tide swept through the area, carrying away people, livestock, and property.
Among the victims were the two daughters, aged four and six, who were with their mother at the time of the disaster.
As the torrential waters surged, the mother managed to escape, but the girls were swept away.
One body was recovered approximately five kilometres downstream, while search parties are still working tirelessly to locate the second child, whose remains remain missing. The mother is devastated, grappling with the untimely deaths of her beloved daughters.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. A lot of damage has been caused as a result of the collapse of the dam. It swept away people, animals, a grinding mill, and fields in the process. The local communities are in distress and calling for help,” said Chipinge Ward 7 Councillor Lazarus Dhliwayo.
In the wake of the disaster, search and rescue efforts were launched immediately. Local authorities, civil protection units, and community members have come together to search for the missing individuals and to support those affected by the flood. The search efforts have been challenging, as the waters have left a trail of destruction, complicating the recovery process.
Manicaland Acting Director for Local Government Services, John Misi also confirmed the sad development, revealing that among the dead is a 30-year-old man who was found under the mud close to the dam wall and a 4-year-old girl whose body was found downstream.
Misi also revealed that a 7-year-old girl who was swept downstream had been rescued and rushed to the hospital.
He added that a 13-year-old girl marooned as a result of the dam collapse has since been rescued by members of the community.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the Government has pledged support for the bereaved families and those whose properties were damaged.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, expressed his condolences, stating: “We are saddened by this tragic event. The government will assist the bereaved families and those still looking for their loved ones. Those whose property was damaged will also be assisted.”
Minister Mugadza emphasised the importance of assessing the safety of other dams in the region to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We are assessing other dams to avoid such eventualities,” he said, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
New Ziana
