Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Beitbridge Municipality has said it is taking steps to address the recurring flash floods in Dulivhadzimu Township, the town’s oldest and most flood-prone suburb.
The area’s low-lying terrain makes it prone to flooding and residents have long suffered from the consequences especially those living near the old long-distance bus terminus, Dulivhadzimu Business Centre, Dulivhadzimu Police Base and the Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
In an interview, Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola confirmed that the local authority has already sent out a tender for urban renewal in the area.
He highlighted that the area needs re-planning as a long-term solution to flash floods which have become perennial.
Already the council has relocated the bus terminus to higher ground due to the perennial flash floods.
This move aims to alleviate the impact of flooding on residents and visitors.
Civil works on the new long-distance bus rank are underway and are being carried out in phases.
“The municipality has issued a tender for a feasibility study to spearhead the urban renewal of Dulivhadzimu Township. We have taken note of flooding issues yearly in that area and hence we need to re-plan the property development in that area.
“This year we are hoping to make one step as we seek to resolve challenges which we cannot leave to continue,” said Mr Ramakgapola.
He said the local authority is also open to a private public partnership in implementing the urban renewal plan in Dulivhadzimu Township as the town transforms into a modern city.
It is understood that part of the plan will focus on reversing urban decay, improving drainage systems and enhancing service delivery.
Meanwhile the local district civil protection committee said on Friday that it was on high alert for climate-related disasters as the rains continue to pound across the district.
“The situation at areas around Dulivhadzimu hostels is dire hence people are advised to use churches and Machembere bar as areas of safety. We urge members to switch off all electrical gadgets, escort children to and from schools, teachers to use discretion in releasing children from respective schools and kindly get in touch with the parents for ease of doing business.
“The public must also remove all vehicles from low lying areas to high grounds, drive cautiously on all roads as they have been damaged and avoid crossing or not playing around the Wamulala stream to avoid being swept away,” said the committee in a public notice.
The committee added that evacuation centres, mostly churches and schools on higher ground, had been identified across the district in all flood prone areas.
Community members were advised to swiftly report incidents as they occur for quick disasters responses by various stakeholders which have been activated in different areas.
