Miserable conditions at camp for Zimbabwe flood victims

IRIN: More than 3,000 families displaced by flooding in the Tokwe-Mukosi dam basin in Zimbabwe’s southeastern Masvingo Province are facing looming food shortages after more than three months living in crowded, unsanitary conditions at a temporary camp.

The families, most of them from Chivi District, were relocated to Chingwizi transit camp, 200km southeast of Masvingo town in early February when torrential rains caused water levels in the catchment area of the partially constructed Tokwe-Mukosi dam to reach dangerously high levels. A partial breach of the dam wall flooded several villages near the dam basin which had been scheduled for relocation.

The transit camp lacks adequate shelter, running water, toilets and food, and with winter fast approaching, residents told IRIN they urgently needed to be relocated to areas where permanent structures can be built. However, most residents have so far turned down government offers to resettle them on one-hectare plots of land on a former cattle ranch, arguing that they had initially been told they would receive three-hectare plots as well as financial compensation for their lost homes and property.

Masvingo provincial administrator and chairman of the Tokwe Mukosi relocation committee Felix Chikovo told IRIN the government was now battling to secure enough food for the camp’s residents. “There are looming food shortages and we are appealing to donors, the corporate sector and well-wishers to donate food for the flood victims. While we have enough stocks to see us through April, we do not know where we will get food for them beyond that.”...