Online Reporter
Tafara Chibanda
HARARE CITY Council has advised property owners to install weep holes on boundary walls and other structures that obstruct the natural flow of rainwater, warning that non-compliance will attract penalties.
The directive, issued under Chapter 5, Section 55 of the Model Building By-Laws (1977), aims to prevent water blockage, which can lead to flooding and structural collapse.
In a statement Acting Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said,
“Property owners must ensure their walls have a minimum of 4 x 100mm diameter size weep hole at a distance of at least plus or minus 4m from centre to centre along the stretch of the wall (on the lower side of the stand) and these weep holes must be positioned at natural ground level (NGL) to allow for the unobstructed flow of rain-water.”
He also warned against blocking these drainage openings, stating that any breach by blocking such weep holes by those property owners on the lower side will attract a penalty in terms of schedule ‘25A 2025 of council fees and charges By-Laws.
“Property owners must submit building plans for all boundary walls for council approval.”
Those who have constructed walls without authorisation will face penalties,” he added.
Property owners were also warned to desist from blocking natural flow of rain water creating dams and subsequent collapse of walls due to pressure of blocked water.
Mathew Masinge