Relief as heavy rains pound Bulawayo

HEAVY rains yesterday pounded Bulawayo and parts of Matabeleland North and South provinces, breaking the dry spell that had dominated most parts of the Southern region in the last two months.

The persistent downpour covered areas surrounding the city and districts such as Lupane, Tsholotsho, Nkayi, Umguza, Matobo, Umzingwane, Gwanda and parts of Bulilima and Mangwe.

The Meteorological Services Department has forecast that wet weather conditions are expected to persist in all parts of the country up to next week.

"There are chances of rains continuing up to 22 January with rains of up to 60mm expected from the weekend onwards," said the Met Department's head public weather service, Mr Tichaona Zinyemba.

According to the Met Department, Bulawayo received 55mm by yesterday afternoon while West Nicholson in Matabeleland South received 60mm.

At the same time Nkayi recorded 27mm, with   Gweru and Kwekwe recording 30mm and 89mm respectively.

Motorists in Bulawayo had a torrid time trying to negotiate their way along the city streets especially in the morning due to the incessant rains that resulted in widespread run-off.

Vehicles plying the Bulawayo-Solusi Road had to divert from the road while some drove back as they could not cross the overflowing Phekiwe River.

Students from the Bulawayo Polytechnic failed to cross Matsheumhlope River in the morning due to the overflowing water.

"I was unable to attend lectures because of delays, as the bridge was impassable," said Grace Mukuti, a student.

Taxi drivers made brisk business as residents, who were caught unawares without umbrellas or raincoats, were forced to hire cabs to avoid the continuous downpour.

Shops also hiked prices of umbrellas as demand soared.

A majority of vendors, who operate in the open, gave up selling their wares in the morning because of the persistent rains.

A majority of farmers from the region were beginning to lose hope because of delayed rains.

The coming of the rains is also expected to result in significant inflows into the Bulawayo water supply dams and ease the biting water shortages.

Contacted for comment, Bulawayo City Council's deputy director of engineering services, Engineer Ian Mthunzi, said part of the overflow in the city water was a result of a clogged drainage system induced by stream bank cultivation.

Meanwhile, the city's chief fire officer Mr Richard Peterson said the fire brigade was on high alert to assist residents in the event of an emergency.

"At the moment we have not received any reports of negative after effects of these rains. We are, however, on high alert to intervene in case of an emergency.

"When rains like this come we are always worried about dangers such as flooding and leaking roofs."

He warned residents to desist from crossing flooded streams as they risk drowning.