Poor Drainage and Illegal Dumping Blamed for Flood...

Poor Drainage and Illegal Dumping Blamed for Flooding

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

Heavy rains in Harare and Masvingo have led to widespread flooding, with inadequate drainage systems and illegal dumping being cited as major contributors to the crisis.

Streets, homes, and businesses have been inundated; sparking calls for urgent action to address the long-standing drainage challenges.

In Harare, flooding disrupted life in several areas, including the central business district. Residents and business owners criticized the lack of proper drainage maintenance as the root cause of the chaos.

City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama defended the council’s efforts in an interview with Zim Now, stating:

"We started clearing drainage systems well before the rainy season and continue to do so. Actually, our drainage systems have improved compared to last year. The challenge lies with illegal waste disposal, especially from night vendors."

Gama explained that illegal vendors operating after municipal police shifts are dumping waste into drainage systems, exacerbating the problem.

"We are considering introducing night shifts to curb this menace. We also urge residents not to throw rubbish into drainage systems," he added.

Despite these assurances, many residents remain unconvinced. A Harare commuter lamented the delays caused by the flooding, saying:

"Most omnibuses have been delayed for weeks. The drainage systems need urgent improvement."

In Masvingo, the situation is equally dire. Residents in areas like Clipsham reported severe property damage, including collapsed perimeter walls, due to poor drainage maintenance.

"There is no infrastructure maintenance. Drainage systems failed, and several perimeter walls collapsed. We feel neglected because of the ongoing disputes between Masvingo Rural District Council and Masvingo Municipality," a Clipsham resident said.

Additionally, residents reported that they had gone months without basic services like water and refuse collection, worsening the impact of the flooding.

The flooding has caused significant disruptions, with businesses reporting losses and road accidents increasing as drivers struggle with submerged streets. Property damage, particularly in Masvingo, has left residents frustrated and desperate for intervention.

In a statement, Gama acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the shared responsibility in resolving them: "This is a collective responsibility. While we are doing our part, residents must also play theirs by keeping drainage systems free of rubbish."

The crisis highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations, and better interagency cooperation.