Masvingo Correspondent
Over 240 families whose homes in Mwenezi East were destroyed by rainstorm last week, are set to benefit from a $50 000 rescue fund set up by the local Member of Parliament Cde Joosbi Omar.

Mwenezi was one of the most affected areas after the rainstorm killed a Masvingo schoolgirl and a Chiredzi boy and left many villagers homeless after sweeping away and destroying roofs.

Scores of villagers also lost their stocks of food and livestock during the violent rainstorm that left a trail of destruction in Masvingo’s southern districts.

Cde Omar, said the storm caused widespread damage in Chitanga communal lands and destroyed a school at Petronella farm leaving school children housed at a nearby clinic.

“About 240 families have been affected by the disaster and we have launched a $50 000 fund to start the rebuilding programme so that we restore normalcy in the lives of communities that were affected by the rainstorm,” said Cde Omar during a tour of some affected areas over the weekend.

He said some of his business partners in and outside the country have also offered to assist the hailstorm victims.

“I have also engaged the Grain Marketing Board for the provision of food to the affected families since most of them had their crops and food stocks destroyed during the storm.

“My business partners have offered to assist after I apprised on them on the extent of the damage and the dire situation that the majority of affected families are living in.

“Some have offered to provide materials towards the construction of the damaged houses.”

The Mwenezi District Civil Protection Unit led by its chair Ms Rosemary Chingwe has also chipped in to help the affected families by mobilising tents for temporary shelter.

“We have provided tents to some of the affected families and we still appeal for more assistance. Government will also provide food to the victims whose crops and food reserves were destroyed,” said Ms Chingwe.