SEVERAL villages and schools have been cut off from the rest of Zimba District after a bridge linking them to the central administration was washed away after torrential rain last week.

More than 300 pupils at Mafuta Basic School and several villagers in Chinkoyo area of Chief Simwatachela have also been cut-off.

Kalomo District Commissioner Omar Musanje who conducted an on-the-spot check of the washed away bridge expressed concern at the development, adding that this would affect the school-going children.

The bridge on Mafuta River was washed away after a heavy downpour during the past one week.

People living in Chinkoyo area of Chief Simwatachela's area have been cut off and are unable to travel to the nearby Kalomo Township to acquire basic necessities.

Mr Munsanje appealed to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to repair the bridge.

School authorities hinted that people from the other side of the bridge which had been washed away were unable to seek medical attention at Kanchele Clinic.

The bridge was constructed by Care International some years ago.

The district administration has since called on all civic leaders in Kalomo and Zimba districts to report any eminent disaster to avert any calamities.

The two districts had for the past one week experienced heavy rain.

ZANIS