The Aftermath of Cyclone Idai: How Its Destruction Shapes Climate Bill Hearings

The Impact of Climate Change in Chipinge, Zimbabwe

For Thomas Sithole, living in Chipinge, Zimbabwe, the two words “climate change” hold painful memories. He remembers the destruction caused by Cyclone Idai on March 15, 2019. This cyclone hit eastern Zimbabwe hard, especially Chipinge and Chimanimani. It brought heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in landslides and widespread damage.

In Chipinge alone, Cyclone Idai destroyed about 600 homes and damaged nearly 20,000 others. Over 17,000 households lost their homes. The cyclone devastated roads, destroying more than 90% of the infrastructure and cutting off communities. The Marowanyati Dam overflowed, worsening the already dire flooding and hurting local farms. Health services struggled too, with five clinics and 139 schools affected, disrupting the lives of over 9,000 students. Farms suffered extensive losses, including over 50% of many crops and a significant number of livestock.

Last Thursday, Mr. Sithole joined many community members at Gaza Community Hall for a public hearing on the Climate Change Management Bill 2025. The Parliament of Zimbabwe, along with various committees, is gathering input from citizens about this important legislation. These hearings aim to strengthen the country’s approach to climate change.

During the hearing, Buhera Central legislator Samson Matema reminded everyone of the recent Bandama Dam disaster in Chipinge, where a dam burst led to severe flooding and loss of life. This tragedy highlighted the urgent need for resilient infrastructure.

Participants at the hearing displayed great interest in the Bill. The Green Building Council of Zimbabwe (GBCZ) emphasized the importance of including green building practices in the legislation. Phillip Mwatsika, a representative from GBCZ, noted that buildings significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions—up to 39%. He called for stricter regulations for building practices.

Research shows that the built environment has major implications for climate change. Countries like South Africa and Kenya have already included green building standards in their laws. Following suit could help Zimbabwe harness similar benefits, such as job creation and healthier communities.

In addition to environmental impacts, climate change also poses health risks. The Advocacy Core Team highlighted the need for the Bill to prioritize public health. They pointed out that climate change contributes to health issues like malaria and other diseases. They proposed that the Bill incorporate health-related definitions and create a structure for coordination between health and climate policies.

In conclusion, the public hearing reflected the community’s deep concerns about climate change. Representative Matema praised the active participation of residents, emphasizing the importance of their feedback for the final report to Parliament. The ongoing discussions around the Climate Change Management Bill illustrate the vital role of community voices in shaping effective climate policies.

As the hearings continue, the input from citizens will play a crucial role in addressing the severe impacts of climate change. With the right legislation, Zimbabwe can work towards a more resilient future for all its citizens.

For further information on climate resilience and health impacts, check out the World Health Organization’s report on climate change.

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