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Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Manicaland Bureau
Residents in Mutare’s Zimta, Dreamhouse and Pegasus areas have called on the local authority to fast-track the rehabilitation of roads and drainage systems that were damaged by heavy rains last month, causing flooding in their homes.
With the rains expected to continue pounding, the residents feel they might be in danger of being affected by floods again.
Speaking during an assessment of the affected areas by officials from the Mutare City Council, Environmental Management Agency, department of Physical Planning and the District Development Coordinator’s office, residents said there was need for a stop gap measure while authorities work on permanent solutions.
“We were affected by floods and we are still counting our losses. Here in Pegasus, we are asking council to assist us because if heavy rains come again, there will probably be more damage than last time. As you can see, there is no drainage system anymore, and the water is just flowing freely in our yards. If this continues we will be in trouble,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
Most of the roads in the area have become impassable with huge galleys on the side and residents are placing sand-filled sacks on the rods to try and manage the galleys.
The sacks have also been placed in front of the houses to block water from flowing in.
Ms Moleen Chikwanha said council should urgently fix the drainage system.
“We urgently need the drains and the roads to be fixed because some of the houses here are directly in the path of the water so if we have more heavy rains, we will definitely have more problems on our hands,” she said.
Online Reporter