Govt calls on well-wishers to assist hailstorm-struck schools

GOVERNMENT has called upon the business community and well-wishers to assist in rebuilding 26 schools in Matabeleland South that had their buildings destroyed by hailstorms accompanied by strong winds last week.

The situation has left hundreds of pupils stranded.Senior Minister of State Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said he received numerous appeals for urgent assistance following the devastating hailstorms.

He said in some of the cases, pupils were learning in the open and the situation was untenable with more rains expected.

"I call upon the business community in these areas and other well wishers across the country and beyond to stand up and be counted by mobilising resources to assist in this desperate situation," he said.

Ambassador Khaya Moyo said the most affected districts in Matabeleland South were Beitbridge, Matobo, Bulilima, Umzingwane and Insiza, while in Matabeleland North, Nyamandlovu was also badly affected.

"Relevant Government authorities like provincial administrators in the two provinces who chair Provincial Civil Protection Units (CPU) and district administrators who chair District Civil Protection Units are ready to receive your generous assistance.

"Your noble efforts in this human endeavour will be most appreciated, for those who protect lives protect the will of God."

Presenting a report during a provincial Civil Protection Unit (CPU) meeting on Tuesday in Gwanda Town, Matabeleland South provincial education director Mrs Tumisang Thabela said they had so far received reports that 26 schools were affected by the destructive rains.

Mrs Thabela said Beitbridge district recorded the highest number of schools affected with 12 schools having buildings destroyed followed by Insiza with seven.

Bulilima, Gwanda and Matobo Districts have two schools each destroyed, while Umzingwane has one. The rains soaked textbooks and food at some of the affected schools.