Kwekwe CPU warns of storms

KWEKWE District Civil Protection Unit has urged communities, corporates, ministries and agencies to
build climate resilient structures that are able to withstand all weather hazards like hailstorms,
strong winds and heavy rains.
In a press statement the District Civil Protection Unit said local authorities must regularly inspect
infrastructure, and to clear drainages.
The CPU also implored miners to avoid working underground especially during the rainy season.
“Local Authorities are urged to regularly inspect all buildings at every stage of development
particularly in urban areas and to clear all drains in anticipation of heavy downpours to avert the risk
of flash floods.
“Miners especially small-scale miners associations are urged to advise miners not to work
underground particularly when it is raining and when the ground is water soaked,” read the press
statement.
Communities should have lighting conductors in their homes, should cut all overgrown trees in their
own backyard, not to park vehicles under such trees and stay indoors or in a vehicle when there is
lightning and thunderstorms.
Community leaders were advised to monitor children from crossing flooded rivers and swimming in
pools.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, councillors and traditional leadership are urged
to advise all children not to cross flooded rivers and children should at all cost avoid swimming in
stagnant pools or weirs.
ZESA was urged to respond to electrical faults with immediate effect to avoid spreading of cholera
and residents to practice high hygiene standards.
“To avoid the threat of cholera, ZESA is urged to respond timeously to electrical faults since the
availability of water is heavily depended on the availability of electricity.
“Let’s all practice good hygienic standards like washing hands in order to guard against the cholera
threat,” the statement read.
The public was also urged to avoid settling in wet lands and ensure that dogs are vaccinated and
cattle herd receive dipping services regularly to avert the dangers of rabies and January disease
respectively.
The recent heavy rains accompanied with strong winds witnessed in the district have sent a strong
warning of what to expect as the season progresses through a trail of destruction ranging from
destruction of houses, property, government and private institutions, electrical poles and crops.