Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
HARARE Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has assured residents that the city is stepping up drainage clearance as the early rains have already triggered flooding in several suburbs, blocking roads, damaging property and disrupting movement.
The onset of each rainy season typically exposes the capital’s long-standing drainage problems, with silted drains, illegal structures and litter buildup often worsening flash floods.
Chairing the 1941st Ordinary Council meeting at Town House on Thursday, Clr Mafume said the City of Harare had intensified efforts to ensure residents do not continue to suffer avoidable inconveniences.
“We will work very hard to unclog the drainage, and we want to ask vendors not to store their items in our drains,” he said.
“Every day we are removing debris that would have been dumped, and some of it will have solidified because of moisture.”
He warned that residents living in unplanned settlements or areas without proper drainage infrastructure would continue to face flooding challenges.
“That’s why we want to plan the city properly. But we will do our best to minimise inconvenience and keep the drains as clean as possible.”
Harare’s flooding problem has persisted for years, particularly in low-lying areas such as Mbare, Budiriro, Highfield, Kuwadzana and parts of the CBD.
Blocked drains, illegal dumping, poor maintenance and rapid urban expansion have all contributed to annual flash floods, often resulting in submerged roads, damaged infrastructure and increased health risks.
Clr Mafume said the city was working to reinstate regular drainage maintenance ahead of heavier rains expected in the coming weeks.
