Villagers in drought ravaged Silobela live on wild roots as hunger bites

Villagers in drought ravaged Silobela are starving and now surviving on wild roots and fruits as hunger continues to take its toll in the Midlands rural area.

Zibagwe Rural District Council (ZRDC) councillor Willard Moyo said the situation is very dire in Silobela.

“The situation for the villagers has turned for the worse as they are struggling to have proper meals. Most families are now having a single meal a day whilst others are going to bed on empty tummies,” he said.

Silobela is a perennially dry area and life is increasingly becoming difficult as water sources are drying up.

“Villagers are digging the roots of a wild tree called Manyeya. They are digging the roots along Gweru River, it is the roots of that tree which they are cooking for food,” he said.

Moyo added that villagers have turned to unyielding soils for gold panning as a means of survival.

“Villagers will be digging and cooking the roots after spending the whole day panning for gold in the river to no avail.

“Most would spend a full week trying to make a single point (of gold) that costs US$2,” he said.

To worsen the situation, there is no government support.

“Social welfare has so far stopped food distribution, citing that silos are empty. It is very terrible.

“People are suffering. I am only waiting to hear that someone has dropped dead because of hunger due to this hopeless situation,” he said.

Area MP Mthokhozisa Manoki Mpofu confirmed the situation was dire in Silobela.

“It’s now almost 3 months without any food support from social welfare and people are really starving. Families are now surviving on one meal per day whilst others are getting food from well-wishers,” he said.

Councillor Moyo indicated that the situation has been a fertile ground for unplanned teenage pregnancy.

“There is an outbreak of child pregnancy in my ward. Gold panners are taking advantage of the situation to abuse these young girls for food,” he said. -NewZim