After Chiwaya Dam disaster, what’s next?

BY TRUST BVARANGA IN CHIPINGE

A disaster happened on Sunday, March 10, when the Chiwaya Dam, shared by Remeredzai Jombo and Reggie Bandama at Lot 2, Newcastle, rural Ward 7 collapsed due to excess of its carrying capacity of 850 mega liters of water due to heavy rains. Seven people died after being swept away by floods from the dam.

This prompted Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos as well as The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Misheck Mugadza to descend onto the disaster area to check on the situation as well as offer solace to the bereaved.

Deputy Minister Haritatos urged farmers to form committees to oversee the safety of water bodies and conduct regular checks on dam walls to prevent similar disasters. He also urged the need for residents living in areas prone to disaster to evacuate immediately.

In the aftermath of the disaster, farmers who were directly affected by the Chiwaya dam wall collapse are appealing to the government for assistance in acquiring loans to purchase essential equipment and restore their agricultural activities.

Councilor Lazarus Dhliwayo, who represents Ward 7, was among those affected, losing pump houses, electrical motors, and 400 banana plants. The total damages are estimated at $60,000 for all farmers.

“We urge the government to assist us in acquiring loans, so we can recover from this disaster and get back to our agricultural activities. We believe that with the government’s support, we can overcome this challenging situation and rebuild our farms,” he said.

The Chiwaya dam burst has had a significant impact on the local community. In addition to seven people who were left dead, children who attend Chivhunze Primary and Secondary schools are struggling to access education due to the destruction of the bridge used to cross the river.

Communities are also at risk of malaria due to the presence of stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites. Health experts and authorities are urged to take action to prevent further health issues.

Tawanda Jombo, one of the affected farmers, echoed Dhliwayo’s sentiments, calling on the government to provide urgent support.

“The government should help us rebuild the dam and remove the sand and mud deposited by streams that feed into the dam,” Jombo said.

Jombo also appealed for compensation for farmers who lost agricultural equipment, assistance for families who lost livestock, and support for those who suffered bereavement.

The government’s response to the disaster will be crucial in supporting the affected farmers and residents. By providing assistance and support, the government can help the community recover from this devastating disaster.