Zim govt seeks $3M for Tokwe-Mukosi flood victims

THE government of Zimbabwe needs $3 million between now and next May to take care of the Tokwe-Mukosi flood victims currently resettled at Chingwizi camp in the Nuanetsi ranch.

Since February this year when over 3 400 families were displaced by the Tokwe-Mukosi floods, humanitarian organisations have been playing a pivotal role in feeding and clothing the flood victims, apart from providing other basic needs.

However, Masvingo provincial affairs minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti said starting next month, the government would take care for the victims since NGOs would leave Chingwizi at the end of this month.

 "As the government we, will starting from next week, take over in assisting the families until May next year when they reap their crops," Bhasikiti said.

Bhasikiti said the government needed 156 000 tonnes of mealie-meal per month. He said close to $500 000 was needed every month until May next year for the upkeep of over 18 000 people displaced by the floods.

Although still appealing for support from NGOs and well-wishers Bhasikiti said the government had already set out plans to buy maize from the Grain Marketing Board.

This was contrary to reports that Grade Seven pupils would write exams under trees. School pupils were also reported to be walking long distances to schools where they learn under trees.

Bhasikiti dismissed reports that most of the families had gone back to the Tokwe-Mukosi flood basin after police violently clashed with villagers resisting relocation without government compensation.

He said only those families in buffer zones earmarked for a game park returned to their previous homes and they would not be threatened by floods.