Melinda Kusemachibi
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society recently donated an assortment of goods to vulnerable groups in Bikita ward 18 and 31 under Chief Budzi in Masvingo province as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of those affected by heavy rains last month.
The consignment of 404 tents, 115 blankets, 202 water jerry cans, and 202 mosquito nets were delivered to families who were affected by heavy rains that swept through the district in November this year and other vulnerable families.
Isaac Chiramba whose family benefited from the donation said they are really happy about this donation which was given to them by the Red Cross Society.
“Red Cross helped us as we received a tent, two 20 litre-jerry cans, one blanket, two mosquito nets. As a community we really want to thank Red Cross Society for the help they gave us during this difficult time we were in,” said Chiramba.
The families which were left homeless were given three tents per family.
Bikita District Development Coordinator Bernard Hadzirabwi said that as a district they are grateful Red Cross Society intervened when the district was in a dire situation.
“We are very grateful because of the Red Cross Society intervention towards storm damaged homes in Bikita wards 31 and 18. The tents, water jerry cans and blankets donated by Red Cross Zimbabwe will go a long way in bringing life back to normal,” said Hadzirabwi.
He confirmed that the heavy rains destroyed 88 houses in Bikita district following a hailstorm leaving affected families in a dire situation in need of urgent assistance.
In 2020 Bikita was again one of the districts which were affected by heavy rains which destroyed many schools, while Cyclone Idai the previous year also had some devastating effects in the district.
