Companies in Bulawayo have pooled together resources to donate to victims of the devastating Cyclone Idai in Manicaland.
The devastating weather phenomenon has left a trail of destruction in Chimanimani and Chipinge, with 139 so far declared dead while 189 are still missing.
About 144 people were injured while 136 are still marooned.
The death toll is likely to rise following reports that some bodies had been swept away by the floods to neighbouring Mozambique.
As efforts to assist the victims continue to increase across the country, Bulawayo businesses presented their donation to Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan province Judith Ncube on Thursday morning.
The donation weighing 34 tonnes included bottled water, dried foods among other items.
Bulawayo economic development agency vice chairperson Fredrick Mavuseni expressed gratitude to the companies that donated goods.
“When the disaster was announced the Minister of State for Bulawayo called us in as representing the business. This was in response to what President Mnangagwa had said. She expressed a need for us to come up with resources which we can donate to mitigate the effects of the disaster.
“Arenel listed dry foods as well as fresh water that can be relayed to the cyclone victims. We put together biscuits, fresh water and mahewu. At least these do not require to be cooked hence will be readily available to eat,” he said.
Oceans Supermarket administrator Divine Rufasi said members of the grain millers association came together to assist the affected people.
“11-grain millers` members operating in the region came together and pooled together resources to assist the affected people. We all came up with 34 tonnes of goods to send to them. The goods are set to be transported today (Thursday). We are only waiting for a clearance letter from the ministry then they can be on their way, ” he said.
Individuals, churches and various organizations in Bulawayo have been donating clothes, food and other resources to assist the cyclone victims in Chimanimani.
Chimanimani and Chipinge districts south-east of Mutare were the hardest hit with houses and roads and other infrastructure destroyed.
