Residents from Tshiungani and the neighbouring villages of Mabvete, Masea, Madimbo, Tshikhudini, Masisi, Tshirenzheni Masisi, and Bennde Mutale, all within the Musina Local Municipality, who suffered significant damage to their properties and assets after massive storms swept over the area on Wednesday, 27 September, have called on the government for urgent assistance.
A preliminary report from the local municipality indicates that more than 100 families were adversely affected by the devastating storms, which blew roofs right off the houses, uprooted electricity poles and transformers, especially at Tshikhudini, while windows were smashed by hail. Two people, one from Tshikhudini and the other from Tshenzhelani, were injured and taken to local clinics, where they received medical attention.
Local farmers, however, were hit the worst as produce estimated at hundreds of thousands of rands was damaged by hail. One of the worst-affected farmers is Mr Mike Makushu, from Tshiungani, whose two cars and the windows of his house were shattered by the hail. On top of that, four hectares of chilies and tomatoes that he was harvesting were completely destroyed.
"I have been dealt a terrible blow by this storm. We spent three months taking care of these vegetables, and our market was ready, then this happened. We, as farmers, are devastated. This is a big loss, and our only hope is that the government compensates us for our losses. We do not have the money to start all over again. Some of our farmers took out loans and have no means left to pay them off now as a result of this. Our area should be declared a disaster area," he said.
Musina Municipality's spokesperson, Mr Wilson Dzebu, confirmed that the area was hit hard by the storms. "We have dispatched our Disaster Management team to assess the damage and how to mitigate the situation. With the assistance of Gift of the Givers, we have helped those affected with food parcels, blankets, tents, sponges, and psychological support," he said.