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Gibson Mhaka
WITH the recent heavy rains and flooding that has affected many areas in the city, it’s crucial for residents to take proactive measures to protect their homes and property, City of Bulawayo Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu has said.
Clr Mahlangu said one simple but effective solution is for residents to ensure that their durawalls have adequate weeping holes.
Weeping holes are small openings drilled into the base of a wall, typically a durawall, to allow water to drain.
They prevent water from accumulating behind the wall, which can lead to structural damage, mould growth, and even collapse.
“In the past 36 hours the city has experienced heavy rains and flooding which has not spared our ward (3). Many houses have flooded and families are finding it hard to cope with this adverse situation.
“I have noticed that many durawalls do not have weeping holes in the event of heavy rains. Kindly try and ensure you provide for such to reduce the effects of flooding.
“I request that residents do assist each other in ensuring we allow safe passage of water in our yards.
“The drainage systems are not assisting either because they are all choked. City council is out to try and ameliorate the situation,” said Clr Mahlangu.
He adds: “By allowing water to drain, weeping holes minimise the risk of water damage to your home’s foundation and interior”.
He said by taking this simple step, residents can significantly reduce the impact of flooding on their homes and protect their families’ well-being.
In the last two days, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade was summoned to several suburbs where residents were in distress as a result of flash floods that left their homes partly submerged in rain water.
In Mahatshula North, the teams responded to six distress calls from homeowners on Wednesday, where they opened the weep holes at the base of perimeter walls around the houses to allow the excess water to drain out.
Online Reporter