Bulawayo flash floods: CBD buildings closed

Some buildings in Bulawayo's Central Business District (CBD) have been closed after their basements and elevator shafts were flooded following heavy rains that have seen underground water levels rising.
A snap survey in the CBD revealed that the rise in underground water levels has led to the closure of some buildings, while some affected tenants have installed drainage pumps to draw water from their buildings.
Some of the closed outlets which have been temporarily closed include Club Vegas 999 situated at corner Third Avenue and George Silundika Street and Maison Nic restaurant and bar at corner Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and Fourth Avenue.
An employee at Maison Nic restaurant and bar, Twoboy Moyo said problems started last Thursday when water levels in the elevator shaft rose rapidly, spilling into the restaurant.
"We thought it was a minor problem when water trickled into the restaurant, but when we opened on Friday there was water all over, forcing us to close. All the tiles and wood decorations on the walls are extensively damaged," said Moyo.
A manager at Haddon and Sly building, Onious Ncube, said they had been using an electric pump to draw water from the elevators twice a day since the rainy season started.
"Underground water is a permanent problem at this building as we have to pump it out every day. It is worse this year, too much rains force us to pump everyday as water floods the elevator and basement area," he said.
Reed Edward, caretaker of the LAPF house building along 8th Avenue and Jason Moyo Street in the city, said they had installed two pumps to deal with the situation.
Bulawayo mayor  Martin Moyo said Bulawayo Fire Brigade Services were ready to help those faced with underground water problems.
Last week, some houses in Mahatshula North and Woodville Park in the city were flooded, while perimeter walls were destroyed after Umguza River burst its banks.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo residents have welcomed the city council's move to lift water rationing with immediate effect following significant inflows into the 6 supply dams.

According to statistics released by council, the city's 6 supply dams are 56.94% full with Insiza at 70.1%, Inyankuni (13%), Mtshabezi (99%), Upper Ncema (42.4%), Lower Ncema (57.4%) and Umzingwane (50.9%).

Inflows recorded translate to about 10% of the dams' combined carrying capacity of about 414 mln cubic metres in 6 days starting from last week Tuesday due to heavy rains that have been falling in the southern parts of the country.