Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Online Reporter
Residents of Mtungwaz in Glen Norah, where flash floods have become a recurring issue, have reported that the area’s developer has vanished, leaving them with flooded homes and uncertainty about whether the council approved the plans.
Speaking during a tour of the area yesterday, the residents said they last saw the developer a long time ago.
They expressed concerns over their area’s drainage system.
Residents reported that a dam is located behind their houses. Some of these homes were built close to the dam, and they have been experiencing flooding since part of the dam was opened.
One resident said she has had to place her wardrobe and bed outside due to the floods.
Officials from the City of Harare, along with the Health, Disaster, Risk Management, and Public Safety chairperson, Councillor Jane Bhingari, called for an emergency meeting to discuss the floods and associated challenges before touring Mtungwaz.
City of Harare’s chief environmental scientist, Mr Charles Mabika said the area is private property and has not yet been handed over to the council.
He said an environmental impact assessment must have been conducted before development to identify the area’s negative impacts.
“But you have already built houses,” said Mr Mabika.
He emphasised the need for a project proposal concerning the drainage system, culverts, and roads.
Mr Mabika also noted that according to the law, residents should only build after water, roads, drainage, and sewer systems are put in place.
