Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
13 people who were marooned at Lisungwe Island in Chipinge have been rescued following a two-day operation.
The island is on the Save River in Mahenye area which lies between Chipinge and Chiredzi districts,
The rains recently experienced in the country have resulted in water levels along Save River increasing, with 15 people who practice farming at Lisungwe Island having been marooned.
However, 13 of the marooned people have since been rescued by the Chipinge District Civil Protection Unit (CPU), which received assistance from Mahenye Chilo Gorge Lodge and Gonarezhou Conservation Trust.
Chipinge District Development Officer Mr William Mashava said, “On Sunday 16 February 2025, we received news that there are people trapped by water at Lisungwe Island. Yesterday, we rescued six people using boats. Today, we have rescued seven people to make them 13. The people we rescued disclosed that there are two people at the Island who are refusing to be evacuated.
“The Island’s length from one side to another could be 3.5 kilometres, hence it was difficult to locate them. The rescued people carry out farming activities at the Island as they believe the place has fertile soils. At times, the whole Island is covered by water when water levels rises. We will continue to search for the two as the water levels continue to rise.”
Mr Mashava revealed that the rescued people were at risk of being swept away by Save River or dying from hunger as they could not cross to the other side of the river to replenish their stock.
Oblivious of the looming danger, the two remaining marooned people have reportedly preferred to continue working on their island fields as they claim to be having enough food stocks.
