People living near the Gwayi River in Ward 26 of Lupane District need better services. They want clinics, roads, and bridges from the government. They also face dangers from wild animals that hurt their farms and safety. The problems keep growing worse for these rural families.
Sick villagers must travel far to reach Lupane Clinic. During the rain season, flooded rivers block the path completely. Pregnant women often deliver babies at home because they cannot cross. Broken bridges separate these villages from Lupane Centre, the main town in Matabeleland North Province.
The hardest hit places include Zikungwa, Masungamala, Hobho, and Mahlabathini villages. These homes sit close to Hwange National Park. Lions from the park have killed at least 30 cows since January. Many families depend on these animals for money and food.
June Mpofu, the Ward 26 Councillor, worries about health risks. "Our areas cannot connect to town because of damaged bridges," Mpofu said. "Pregnant mothers give birth at home when the Gwayi River floods, risking their lives and their babies."
Mpofu asked the government and others to help right away. "We need fast action on this problem. Lions attack our livestock regularly. Families lose income, and we fear for everyone's safety," Mpofu explained. Wildlife conflicts happen more often as animals search for food and water.
Officials tell people to be careful, but that advice falls short. Communities need secure animal pens and better protection systems. The government works to improve rural areas through its National Development Strategy 1 plan. This aims to bring better services to everyone.
According to the 2022 Census, Lupane District has about 107,000 residents. The region's land is flat, with Kalahari sand soil. These conditions make it good for growing crops without irrigation and raising farm animals.
Sick villagers must travel far to reach Lupane Clinic. During the rain season, flooded rivers block the path completely. Pregnant women often deliver babies at home because they cannot cross. Broken bridges separate these villages from Lupane Centre, the main town in Matabeleland North Province.
The hardest hit places include Zikungwa, Masungamala, Hobho, and Mahlabathini villages. These homes sit close to Hwange National Park. Lions from the park have killed at least 30 cows since January. Many families depend on these animals for money and food.
June Mpofu, the Ward 26 Councillor, worries about health risks. "Our areas cannot connect to town because of damaged bridges," Mpofu said. "Pregnant mothers give birth at home when the Gwayi River floods, risking their lives and their babies."
Mpofu asked the government and others to help right away. "We need fast action on this problem. Lions attack our livestock regularly. Families lose income, and we fear for everyone's safety," Mpofu explained. Wildlife conflicts happen more often as animals search for food and water.
Officials tell people to be careful, but that advice falls short. Communities need secure animal pens and better protection systems. The government works to improve rural areas through its National Development Strategy 1 plan. This aims to bring better services to everyone.
According to the 2022 Census, Lupane District has about 107,000 residents. The region's land is flat, with Kalahari sand soil. These conditions make it good for growing crops without irrigation and raising farm animals.
