Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
Violent storms have left a trail of destruction in the Nkayi District of Matabeleland North Province after nine schools were extensively damaged.
Nkayi District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) Ms Matilda Mlotshwa spoke to the ZBC News about the incidents.
‘‘Most of the schools had their roofs blown off by heavy winds. For now, we haven’t received much help although there are some efforts, villagers and other well-wishers are coming bit by bit but we appeal for more as we want the children to go back and learn in a normal environment,” she said.
The community has had to improvise to ensure learning continues undisturbed.
Nkayi South Legislator, Honourable Stars Mathe said, “The teachers do not have accommodation, they have had to be bunched and share while pupils do not have toilets and we improvised on those that were less damaged.”
Ward 19 Councillor, Norman Ndebele noted, ‘‘After the rains several schools in Nkayi South were severely damaged, Gonye Secondary School which was still under construction was destroyed. Mathetshaneni was also destroyed as well as the roofing at Tokwe secondary.’’
Meanwhile, the District Civil Protection Unit is on the ground to mobilise resources for reconstruction efforts as this comes at a time when all civil protection units across the country are on high alert amid fears that the worst is not yet over.
