A FRESH disaster is impending at Chingwizi in Nuanetsi with the government urging the private sector to urgently assist in decongesting the transit camp to avert an outbreak of major diseases.
Tarisai Mandizha
Speaking at the launch of the Econet Wireless Energise the Chain project at Nhowe Mission in Murewa, Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa said it was no longer conducive to keep over 20 000 people at one place.
“We want Chingwizi to be decongested. If you keep 20 000 people at one place, you can imagine the mischief,” Parirenyatwa said.
The over 3 000 families temporarily sheltered at Chingwizi following the Tokwe-Mukorsi flood disaster in Masvingo at the beginning of the year face a myriad of problems including lack of healthcare and food. They also have little access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The government is currently struggling to move the affected families to permanent plots in Nuanetsi Ranch and faces challenges in mobilising $9 million for compensation.
Parirenyatwa said government was aware that Econet had already intervened to support the families at Chingwizi camp. He said the telecommunications company had provided medicine and other medical essentials to aid the flood victims.
The company had also established a temporary base station in the area to ensure effective communication for residents at the camp and health workers.
