Children’s Home Razed Down To Ashes, Res Minister Mugadza, Pays A Solemn Visit

By Steve Ephraem

Manicaland’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has expressed deep concern over the devastating fires sweeping through the province. He shared his worries during a visit to Mount Selinda Hospital in Chipinge on July 19th, where a tragic fire recently destroyed the Children’s Home.

Minister Mugadza visited Mount Selinda to deliver essential goods donated for the 22 children (13 boys and 9 girls) living at the orphanage whose home was lost.

The minister explained that his aid mission was directed by President himself.

“The issue of fires is a cause of concern. We have many places that have been destroyed by fires. We are therefore urging those who are capable of giving fire awareness to do so including on veldfires.

“Here a fire gutted a Children’s Home. In response, our President, Dr. Mnangagwa, has sent us to donate towards the welfare of the children. We also thank all who are donating towards the Children’s Home. We shall hear more from the administration on what else might be needed for us to intervene,” he said.

Meanwhile, details emerged about how the fire started. Resident medical doctor, Dr Tendai Mangoro reported that a young child accidentally left a lit candle unattended in a bedroom while fetching clothes in the evening. Sadly, the child forgot to extinguish the candle when called for dinner.

Dr Mangoro added that the fire was noticed later. Thankfully, adults present managed to evacuate all the children to safety. Firefighters from Tanganda Tea Estate, Allied Timbers, and the Chipinge Town Council rushed to help, but unfortunately, they could not save most of the building as the fire had already caused severe damage.