Government will on Tuesday start refurbishing buildings and refilling roads in Gokwe that were destroyed by the incessant rains that hit most parts of the country between December and January. The rains destroyed the Magistrates Courts, shops and Government buildings in the area.

Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo yesterday said resources for the refurbishment had been availed to the responsible authorities. He said the rebuilding exercise would be carried out by the Civil Protection Unit, the local authority, the District Development Fund and members of the uniformed forces.

"We experienced severe damage in the Gokwe area where the Kalahari sands that characterise the area were washed away. The roads were destroyed and some Government buildings were brought down by the rains. Resources have been directed towards the rebuilding exercise."

Minister Chombo said there was need for Government to refill the gullies that had been created.

"There is need to secure our buildings because if we do not put an end to this it would be costly to Government. In such cases, team work is needed to prevent future disasters. We expect the roads and buildings to be back in place soon."

Minister Chombo said fatalities from natural disasters this year were low as compared to previous years because people heeded warnings from the CPU.

"The message from the CPU was well received and people were more responsible this season. The fatalities declined if we compare with what we usually experienced in the past."

Minister Chombo urged people to continue liasing with their district CPUs in case the rains continued.

"They should stay in touch to be prepared in the event the heavy rains come back again," Minister Chombo said.

The heavy torrential rains left a trail of destruction in most parts of the country. Nearly 2 000 school children in southern parts of Chiredzi and Mwenezi are learning in the open after the rains destroyed classroom blocks at 28 schools in the two districts.

In the Limpopo Valley, the rains destroyed classroom blocks, teachers' houses and toilets at Mupinga, Chambuta, Sabhanani, Ruware, Matapura and Judea primary schools.