Update leads:
- The case of six trapped Matshetshe Miners exposes the District Civil Protection Unit of poor service delivery
- Mat South not prepared for a second wave COVID 19
- CYDT activities
Disturbingly, six miners trapped in Matshetshe Mine in Esigodini District are still languishing underground while the District and Provincial Civil Protection Units are yet to make a statement with regards to the rescuing of the trapped miners.
According to the statement made by the Ministry of Mines, the heavy rains that eventually led to the collapse of Matshetshe Mine left the mine flooded and the ground surrounding the mine wet which complicates the rescue mission.
The Ministry of Mines warned that if the rescue mission is conducted under these risky conditions, there is a danger of the mine further collapsing, thus risking the lives of both the trapped miners and the rescuers, therefore, it is imperative that the process was taken with great caution; that is following all the procedures needed before the rescue mission is conducted.
However, these delays have raised frustrations from the concerned public, family and friends, blaming the District Civil Protection Unit (DCPU) of being unprepared and poor service delivery throughout the whole process.
The Provincial and District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) that deals with mitigation of disaster risks and preparedness planning, has failed the community as they have demonstrated that they are not prepared to deal with disasters, and this is worrying should the Province record more disasters.
Mat South youths also argued that CPU failed to warn miners and the public of the impending storm which could have prevented the miners who are now trapped from going underground.
They noted with concern on the lack of preparedness of CPU to deal with local level disasters, citing that there is need for the decentralization of power and attendance to policy loopholes within the government as there is no clear department taking responsibility on addressing this current Matshetshe Mine disaster.
Mat South not prepared for a second wave COVID 19
The recent 15 confirmed COVID 19 cases from Gwanda indicate that a second wave of the pandemic is being experienced in Mat South.
The rise in Covid-19 positive cases in Mat South especially Gwanda District raises concerns as to the origin of these cases. A section of Mat South citizens believe that the easing of the lockdown restrictions was misinterpreted by people who thought that the pandemic had been controlled. People are being noticed not wearing masks and moving in groups instead of social distancing. COVID 19 awareness campaigns are immediately needed to mitigate the spread of the virus. The public needs to be reminded on the importance of wearing masks and adhering to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines of controlling the pandemic.
The recent surge of COVID 19 in the province has further exposed lack of preparedness of isolation centers, in the case of a second wave as some victims of the virus are being advised to self-isolate at home.
The available isolation centers lack capacity to hold more confirmed cases from the province, a situation that is worrying. Mat South youths note that it is quite disappointing that the Province is still ill prepared to handle an upsurge of the pandemic, some victims who spoke to the organisation noted that the environment in the isolation centers is still not conducive hence some patients prefer to self-isolate at home.
CYDT Activities
A mobile legal clinic workshop was held in Insiza South on Wednesday in partnership with ZLHR and ZHRC at Datata. The mobile legal clinic workshop deliberated on the issue of child marriages seeing that there has been reports of an upsurge in child marriages in the area which needed to be addressed. The meeting also provided a platform on discussions to do with rape cases which were also prevailing in the area.
A Community talk show on Service delivery was also held in ward 1 of Gwanda North where there were discussions around the implications of climate change to service delivery. Recently, heavy and windy rainfalls left a trail of disaster in the area. Schools, shops, homes and roads were destroyed by the rain. In total, 62 homes and 5 schools were destroyed. The community members put the blame on The CPU department, which is not educating people on climate change and how to avoid such disasters with minimum damage. The community is now calling upon well-wishers to help them rebuild their community.
The organization also conducted the, publish what you do forum, where duty bearers in Gwanda town shared their set plans and achievements with regards to service delivery in the town. The youth had the opportunity to engage with their duty bearers to discuss on challenges they face especially ward 7 which remains without a ward Councilor due to recalls.
Remember to follow these tips proposed by the WHO to prevent getting infected with COVID-19;
- clean your hands more often using alcohol based hand rub or soap and water
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Contact emergency COVID-19 numbers near you, if experiencing any symptoms related to the pandemic
Social Distancing Tips
- Shop alone, do not shop in groups
- Stay/Stand two metres away from other customers (especially in mealie meal queues)
TOGETHER WE CAN DEFEAT COVID-19!
Dial 2019 if suspecting any COVID-19 Symptoms!
STAY SAFE!!!!!!!!!!
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