VILLAGERS of ward 17 in Mangwe, Matabeleland South province, are contributing towards the reconstruction of a dam in the area that was destroyed by Cyclone Eline in 2007.
Government has failed to reconstruct Tjedza Dam in Makorokoro despite several promises.
Ward 17 Zapu councillor, Mpendulo Ncube, said they needed at least US$20 000 for the project.
“Villagers took it upon themselves to contribute R200 per homestead every month for the reconstruction of the dam,” he said.
“We have so far managed to raise about US$5 000. We hired a private contractor who has charged us US$$20 000.”
Ncube said they faced water challenges in the area.
“There are four dams in the area and council promised to scoop the dams. Many boreholes have either broken down or dried up, making the situation worse.”
Mangwe Rural District Council chief executive officer, Bongani Ngwenya said: “Yes, the communities are keen to rehabilitate their dam. The limiting factor is non-availability of appropriate equipment for scooping. We need surface water especially for watering of livestock.”
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The damage by Eline, which left 10 000 people homeless, was estimated at US$9 million.
During the Cyclone Eline-induced floods, 136 deaths were reported in Zimbabwe.
In addition, 59 184 houses and huts were destroyed, 14 999 toilets caved in, 538 schools and 54 clinics were damaged, 230 dams burst while 20 000 heads of livestock were lost.
