Matobo villagers appeal for help in the wake of storm 

Thandeka Matebesi

Villagers in Matobo are appealing for assistance to finance the roofing of classroom blocks at Mashumba  and Ratanyana Primary schools in Wards 3 and 4, respectively, which were destroyed by a violent storm earlier this week.

Reports from residents indicate that several homes in Mashumba and Ratanyana villages were also affected. 

Ward 4 Development Initiative Chairperson of the executive Committee Douglas Ncube, said the community had so far created a fundraising platform for each school. 

“As a development initiative we have opened a WhatsApp group for each school so that people can chat and pledge funds towards the repair of the schools, hoping that this could be done before the commencement of the school term. We are also trying to raise funds for the repairs on people’s homes that were affected by the storm,” said Ncube. 

Ncube pointed out that the damage to the schools would slow down the progress they had so far made towards construction of a clinic at Ratanyana Centre. 

“We’ve embarked on some projects with measurable success. We are currently raising funds for the construction of a community clinic at Ratanyana Centre. Unfortunately, we are faced with a disaster which means that we have to divert our attention to the two schools, thus affecting the progress of the clinic project. We have so far completed the two clinic blocks and are currently roofing the first block. 

A resident, however bemoaned the slow response from authorities saying that communities were being left to carry their burdens alone with little help. 

 “Such problems do need people to only contribute small monies, these are emergency issues that require the central government or the local authority to fix through public works. What will then be the role of the government when communities have to contribute their savings to fix such challenges that occur in society? It’s not right. I would have understood if it was a new project but not this,” said the resident who identified himself as Sodindo.

Community members said they are worried that if the funds are not raised in time children will be forced to learn in the open throughout the second term.

“We really need assistance before the second term begins because it will be cold and it will be sad if our children have to brace the cold weather,” said Eddie Dube, one of the fundraising organisers. 

In 2019, school blocks at Mahetshe Secondary School in Matobo were also destroyed by wind and it took the community more than three years to repair the school.

Those who wish to contribute can contact Douglas Ncube on +263 772 953 522.