Catholic-run Hospital in Zimbabwe Facing "serious threat" From River Bank Erosion

They say, "The chances of flooding increases in the rainy season. During flooding, the huge amount of water flowing with higher velocity brings enough energy to tear away the top layers of soil or even cause mass failure."

They add, "The downward velocity against the river bank is the erosive force."

In the May 17 report, the officials of Chinhoyi Diocese say there are various techniques that can be used to prevent the erosion of Hunyani river banks. 

They highlight soil erosion mats or blankets, biodegradable erosion control, permanent erosion control blankets or mats, photodegradable erosion control mats as some of the interventions that can be used to control the wearing away of the river bank. 

They explain that soil erosion mats or blankets are stabilization fabrics that reinforce the soil and support the bank until plants are ready to take root. 

These mats, they say, "help to slow down the flow velocity of water along the surface."

The Chinhoyi Diocese officials say there is need for experts to assess the damage made on Hunyani river bank so as to find the best solution for the environmental issue. 

"The situation needs urgent attention and this is beyond the mission hospital on its own as the hospital acts as a District hospital and a referral hospital for about 13 clinics in the district," they say. 

They add that failure to address the erosion affecting the mission hospital "will affect the whole Mbire district at large and if left unattended, the long run consequences have ripple effects to the district."