Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube- Matutu, [email protected]
THE Municipality of Gwanda has embarked on trenching works to improve drainage systems following recent heavy rains that left several families homeless and damaged infrastructure in the town.
Last month, torrential rains battered Gwanda Urban, destroying houses and damaging Senondo Primary School. Five families were displaced after their rooftops were blown away, with the local authority providing them with alternative accommodation.
Mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo said the council was prioritising the clearance of drainage systems across all wards, with residents actively involved in the initiative.
“We received heavy rains which destroyed a lot of infrastructure and with the power which the rains had the water was flowing from surrounding mountains to houses and in the process overpowered drainage systems. Some people are building and have sand piled up in their residential areas and that sand was washed away and blocked drainages.
“We are now focusing on major drainage systems using machines while we also came up with a community engagement strategy where each ward provides manpower to remove sand which is in the drainage systems. People are removing the sand from the drainages manually while the machines, two tractors and a tipper truck are being used to transport the sand,” he said.
Alderman Moyo added that council was working on creating deeper drainage channels and establishing new systems in areas without them. He warned that illegal dumping and littering were worsening blockages, urging residents to comply with municipal by-laws.
He further stressed the importance of adhering to regulations requiring property owners to leave openings in perimeter walls to allow water passage.
Residents have also voiced concern over the town’s vulnerability to flooding. Mr Benjamin Ncube of Spitzkop North said urgent action was needed to construct drainage systems in unserviced areas.
“Drainage is a serious challenge in the town and if we receive heavy rains for four consecutive days we will face a serious challenge of flooding in our homes. The council should build deep trenches that will cover most parts of the town so that water can flow by. We are surrounded by mountains and when it rains there is a lot of water that flows into the settlement areas,” he said.
Ms Sbongiwe Msipha highlighted the situation in the central business district, saying flooding during heavy rains paralysed movement.
“The council must address drainage in the CBD and it becomes impossible when it rains heavily. Vehicles struggle to move as well as pedestrians,” she said.
The municipality has pledged to intensify works to mitigate future flooding risks, with community participation seen as key to sustaining the effort.
