Flash floods cause damage in Gweru

Patrick Chitumba , Midlands Bureau Chief
A 90-MINUTE heavy downpour left Gweru residents counting their losses as flash floods caused damage to many properties in the city.

The heavy rains pounded the city from about 3pm to about 5pm on Tuesday causing flash floods in some areas which has been blamed on the city’s poor drainage system.

The rains caused flooding in low-lying areas and in wetlands where some houses were flooded.

A Chronicle news crew moved around the city and observed a trail of destruction in areas such as Mkoba, Ascot, Mambo and Senga suburbs.

In an interview yesterday residents urged the local authority to put in place mechanisms to prevent flooding which they say is threatening many properties.

“I think council should work on its drainage system to prevent this flooding which is threatening our properties. They should ensure storm drains in all suburbs are cleared.

They have been working on these storm drains but are yet to complete the work in some suburbs,” said one of the residents.

Mrs Trish Banga from Mtapa suburb said they were caught unaware.

“In less than 90 minutes, my one room was flooded. I lost food stuffs and my blankets were all soaked in water,” she said.

Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director Mr Cornelia Selipiwe said flash floods that usually hit the city during the rainy season always leave a trail of destruction.

He also said residents need to be educated on the consequences of dumping litter in storm drains.

“We need council and private land developers to work together with the residents so that we eliminate dumping of litter in storm drains,” he said.

Mr Selipiwe said land developers should also be part of the disaster management plan.

Acting town clerk Mr Vakayi Chikwekwe had to summon some land developers in affected areas to work on the drainage system.

Mr Chikwekwe said council had hired 80 people to clear storm drains and culverts.