school buildings and at makeshift facilities1 such as those at
Chimanimani hotel. The victims need substantial short term to long-term
shelter support to rebuild their homes.
3.3.
Most water sources were contaminated due to the floods and sewerage
systems were destroyed as confirmed by the CEO for Chimanimani Council
thereby impacting on the right to health. There were high chances of people
being exposed to cholera and other water borne diarrheal diseases. In trying
to ensure the right to safe and potable water (Section 77 of the Constitution),
ZHRC witnessed on-site water treatment being done by Global-Medic
Organisation.
3.4.
Some Health Care facilities in Chimanimani district and Chipinge District
were, at the time of the visit, difficult to access as a result of damaged
infrastructure. Temporary and mobile health facilities had been established
by the Government of Zimbabwe and its partners to ensure access to the
much needed healthcare services and to save lives. One such clinic was
stationed at Skyline in Chimanimani. These are commendable interventions
by the authorities in this disaster situation. All the same more needed to be
done as some families and communities lived at some long distances to the
newly established mobile health clinics and any other health facilities.
3.5.
Food insecurity in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts was worsened by
the cyclone. Crops and some food stocks were destroyed. Food supplies to
some affected areas such as Kopa and Rusitu had been hampered due to
inaccessibility. However, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social
Welfare was leading the process of food distribution in the two districts and
food aid was being ferried by helicopters to areas that were not accessible
by road. ZHRC also witnessed a number of private sector organisations
coming in with support that included food items.
3.6.
The supply chain was being managed effectively and efficiently from the
provincial level to the district main distribution centre at Siverstream. The
Government officials and in particular the Department of Social Services are
commended for putting in place mechanisms that ensure smooth flow of
processes involving the movement of aid, at these levels.
1
They were being temporarily accommodated in the Hotel Conference Room.
4