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Angela Sibanda, [email protected]

BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube yesterday handed over donations to seven local families who are fire victims.

The  donations comprising 50kg bags of maize, blankets, rice, buckets and water containers, and kitchen utensils, come from the Government and other partners.

Some of the affected families were rendered homeless after their houses including household properties were gutted by fire.

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube hands the donations to the beneficiaries

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo, Minister Ncube implored community members to assist each other in the event of fire incidents.

“We don’t know why veld fires are widespread nowadays. We however appeal to the community that if such incidents happen, please report early so that you get help while it is still manageable,” she said.

“Calling experts should be the first thing to do so that less harm is done. It is better to lose property because it can be replaced, but once a life is lost, it can’t be replaced. I would also like to appeal to members of the community to unite and be there for each other.”

Minister Ncube lauded the media for playing an active role by reporting fire incidents, saying it helps in terms of resource mobilisation and early reaction.

“We are grateful to all stakeholders who were part of the mobilisation for this donation. We are also grateful for the role played by the media in reporting such incidents leading to early response and contributions, she said.

One of the beneficiaries Ms Pertunia Hoyo said four of her six-roomed house, were last month destroyed by fire.

Ms Hoyo commended the Government and well-wishers for chipping in, saying the donation will go a long way in addressing her plight.

 “We are grateful for this kind gesture by the Government and other well-wishers for remembering us following the unfortunate fire incident, which left us homeless,” she said.

“Losing my property was a setback that I am still trying to recover from that trauma. It is because of such gestures and the support that I get from our families and well-wishers that help strengthen us emotionally as we go through these difficult times.”

Government partnered with the Red Cross Society, DanChurchAid in Zimbabwe, and the Civil Protection Unit.