Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Zimpapers Writer
HEAVY rains that recently lashed the City of Gweru, causing flooding in many areas, have exposed the city’s inadequate drainage system. Streets in the Central Business District (CBD) and residential areas were quickly submerged as blocked drains failed to cope with the downpour.
Residents are up in arms, saying it is the same story every year.
“The council is not taking us seriously,” said a frustrated resident, Mr Trymore Sibanda from Mkoba 9 suburb. “We need them to fix our drains once and for all.”
Mrs Annabelle Moyo from Mkoba 4 suburb said there is an urgent need for the local authority to rehabilitate storm water drains and culverts, which are clogged with soil, sediment and waste.
She noted that this is a common and recurrent problem in drainage maintenance, demanding constant attention from the council.
“As residents, we feel that council is not doing enough to address the issue. This is a simple matter of maintenance. They just need to clear the drains regularly and when it rains, the runoff will flow smoothly, preventing our homes from flooding,” said Mrs Moyo.
She added that flooding of homes and streets has disrupted daily life, with some areas inaccessible due to waterlogged roads.
“The council needs to take urgent action to address the issue before more rains fall,” she said.
Contacted for comment, Gweru City Council spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee said it was unfortunate that some houses were getting flooded while certain streets became impassable.
“We do scheduled drainage clearing and unclogging work, but unfortunately our efforts are betrayed by some members of the community who deliberately dump litter in the drains, blocking the waterways,” she said.
