THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade has revealed that the recent rains that destroyed properties in several parts of Bulawayo did not take them by surprise as they were adequately prepared for the challenge.
Bulawayo City Council’s acting chief fire officer Mhlangano Moyo told Southern Eye that the destruction was caused by strong winds and floods in areas such as Harrisvale, Richmond, Trenance and Ntabeni Primary School in Entumbane.
He said the rains destroyed approximately 10 properties in the previous season.
“We had planned for the worst case scenario after being informed that the rainfall pattern would be normal to above normal,” Moyo said.
He said 25 families in Sizinda were affected after their houses had their rooftops blown away.
“The winds followed a pattern from Richmond to Ntabeni Primary School in Entumbane to Sizinda including these other areas,” Moyo said.
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He said they were working with the Civil Protection Department and other organisations to provide assistance to the affected families, adding that they had sourced 50 blankets.
Tenants of Sizinda Flats were left homeless after heavy rains that lashed Bulawayo last week which left the BCC fire brigade battling to contain the water.
The rains also destroyed two houses in Harrisvale and Richmond suburbs, while Romney Park experienced significant flooding.
It was reported that the affected families in Sizinda were in urgent need of food, clothing and blankets while the damage was estimated at approximately ZiG200 000.