Antony Chawagarira and Sharon Chimenya
THE first rains of the season that were accompanied by strong winds left a trail of destruction in Chiredzi South and the City of Masvingo, where roofs of schools, houses and security walls were flattened.
Gulungweni Primary School in Chiredzi South had its roof ripped off by strong winds, while in Masvingo City the heavy rains and strong winds lashed the provincial capital causing significant damage to houses, roofs and security walls.
The city’s inadequate drainage system was quickly overwhelmed, flooding streams and causing congestion at the main Mucheke Bridge, the only access point to the Central Business District (CBD) as the Chimusana Road was submerged.
Residents of the Lowveld area had celebrated the onset of much-needed rains, which provided relief from a prolonged heatwave. However, the joy quickly turned to shock when classrooms at Gulungweni Primary School lost their roofs in the early hours of Wednesday.
The destruction has left the community grappling with the aftermath of the torrential rains.
The Masvingo Star established that the asbestos roofing material may have contributed to the disaster at Gulungweni Primary School. Investigations revealed that the school had been in need of renovations, and the authorities missed an opportunity to address these issues before the storm struck.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted an urgent need for modern roofing solutions and overall improvements to the aging infrastructure.
“This school looks very old, and its roofs are old; modern roofing and renovations are urgently needed,” an eyewitness said. With the rainy season just beginning, the continued stability of the remaining roofs is in jeopardy, prompting concerns about future incidents.
Joel Sithole, the Member of Parliament for Chiredzi South, confirmed the incident and redirected inquiries to Councillor Leonard Makondo, who is overseeing the response efforts. A team is currently on the ground assessing the situation and determining the next steps for recovery.
In the wake of this incident, Councillor Makondo urged the Diaspora and community members to come together and assist in renovating the school. Education is a fundamental right, and providing a safe learning environment is crucial for the children of Chiredzi South District.
Meanwhile in the provincial capital, water hyacinth, which had clogged the Mucheke River, was swept downstream, some of it accumulating around steel poles at the Masimba Construction site on the Mucheke Bridge.
Reports said several houses in Clipsham suburb were destroyed, while residents in Victoria Ranch were left to scoop water from their flooded homes.
Masvingo City Council issued a warning advising against crossing flooded rivers. The statement cautioned residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution near flooded bridges, noting danger signs such as fast-moving water.
“To ensure public safety, the City of Masvingo warns residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution when approaching flooded bridges. Danger signs to watch for – fast-moving water, debris or obstacles in the water, eroded or damaged bridge structures and reduced visibility.
“The safety guides are to avoid crossing flooded bridges unless absolutely necessary, to never drive or walk through flooded areas and monitor local news and weather reports for updates,” reads part of the warning.
The local authority said the consequences of ignoring warnings included the risk of drowning or vehicles being swept away, damage to vehicles or property and injury or loss of life.
The destruction serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many structures as the rainy season begins.
While communities in both Chiredzi South and Masvingo City reflect on this disaster, it serves as a wake-up call for all schools and homes in the region to have strong proper structures.
With the rainy season upon us, it is essential for residents to evaluate the strength and safety of their structures to withstand harsh weather conditions. The destruction of Gulungweni Primary School and damage to Masvingo City properties and infrastructure are powerful reminders that preparation and pro-active measures can prevent tragedies.
New Ziana
