Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO has a storm drainage system designed to safely redirect rainwater and prevent flooding but reckless and illegal dumping of rubbish by vendors and residents constantly blocks the drains.
These blockages are a key factor in the sudden flooding that affects both residential areas and the city centre. Tragically, this was brought home two weeks ago when three-year-old Sibusiso Methembe Moyo died after being swept away by an overflowing stream on her way home from the shops in New Lobengula.
Sibusiso was with her elder brother when the accident occurred, and her body was found the following day near Josiah Chinamano Primary School in Emakhandeni.
Stakeholders have expressed concern that the city’s poorly maintained drainage system causes constant flooding, even after relatively light rain.
However, the council disputes these claims, stating that over 150km of drainage is cleared annually during the dry season, by both council teams and community groups in each ward.
The storm drain clearance programme runs from March to November each year.
“The city has annual drainage clearance programmes during the dry season to maintain and keep drainage open. Every year, more than 150km of drainage is cleared by council teams and community groups in respective wards,” said council spokesperson, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu.
She said that the drains cleared are selected in consultation with residents in each ward, and efforts are made to reinforce the drains with stone pitching or lining for a more permanent solution. Mrs Mpofu stressed that ongoing public education is crucial in maintaining the system’s effectiveness.
Mrs Mpofu reiterated that the local authority has a storm drainage system designed to safely redirect storm water and prevent flooding.
“The challenge is always the misuse of the drainage systems, which are sometimes blocked by littering and illegal dumping. It is important for residents and stakeholders to be aware that these drainage systems are kept clear and open for the proper drainage of storm water. It should also be noted that the current rains are characterised by high intensity, which causes sudden flash flooding,” Mrs Mpofu said.
Meanwhile, the council has urged property owners and residents to ensure that weep holes in boundary walls are open and functioning. Weep holes are small openings at the base of boundary walls that allow storm water to drain naturally, preventing water accumulation and potential flooding.
In a statement, Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, said that according to Section 78(2) of the Water Act (Chapter 20:24), it is mandatory for properties to keep weep holes open to facilitate proper drainage.
“Failure to comply with these requirements, which help reduce flood risks, may result in penalties or legal action as outlined in the Roads Act (Chapter 13:18),” said Mr Dube.
He said that closed or obstructed weep holes can cause water pooling and flooding on private and public property, structural damage to boundary walls, foundations, and nearby structures, as well as health and safety hazards due to stagnant water, which attracts mosquitoes and increases the risk of water-borne diseases.
“Opening weep holes and keeping them clear of debris is a simple but essential step to prevent these occurrences while supporting the city’s drainage system.
“All property owners are required to co-ordinate with adjacent neighbours to inspect and open weep holes along shared boundary walls, and this collective effort will help maintain effective drainage throughout neighbourhoods and ensure that all properties are prepared for the increased rainfall,” said Mr Dube.
According to the latest Civil Protection Unit (CPU) report, the city has recorded 110 instances of household property damage caused by rain since the start of the 2024/25 season, and two lives have been lost.
One school has also been damaged during the same period.
