The dam walls of Farnam, Masterpice, and Maradhadi in Chegutu have reportedly burst over the last few days and 5 goats and hectares of crops belonging to members of the community have reportedly been swept away, The Herald reports.
The dams which were providing drinking water to the community and supporting agricultural activities in the areas were also supporting the community’s mining procedures.
A villager Mr. Chigogo close living close to Farman dam said farmers with fields close to the farm lost their crops when the dam wall burst:
Most farmers who have their fields close to the dams lost their crops when the dams burst their walls and for now, it is still early to give the number of hectares affected and that of animals killed although five goats from Farnam were swept away.
The development was confirmed by ZINWA Marketing Manager Mrs. Majorie Manyonga who said:
The dams are used to support irrigation purposes, for livestock, human consumption and mining activities.
At least 200 households and a number of small scale miners have so far been affected.
We are hearing reports that the bursts have also resulted in the destruction of crops and death of livestock.
This comes amid reports that one of the country’s inland dams Tugwi Mukosi is over spilling due to the incessant rains and villagers are refusing to be vacated by the government to safer places.
More: The Herald