Poor drainage system irks Harare residents

Residents of Harare have voiced their frustration and called for urgent action from the Harare City Council (HCC) following severe flooding in the central business district (CBD) after heavy rains on Wednesday. Several key streets, including Julius Nyerere Way, Rezende Street, and Chinhoyi Street, were submerged, causing major disruptions to both traffic and pedestrian movement.

The flooding, which took place during peak hours, created significant challenges for commuters and workers in the city, with many finding themselves stranded or delayed due to the waterlogged roads. The poor drainage system was highlighted as the main cause of the widespread flooding, raising concerns about the city's infrastructure and public safety.

Shalvar Chikomba, the national chairman of the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Harare City Council's failure to address the issue. He emphasized that the city's drainage system urgently needed improvement to prevent further flooding.

"It is the responsibility of the Harare City Council to provide services that make life easier and safer for residents," Chikomba said. "The poor drainage system, which led to severe flooding, highlights a lack of adequate maintenance. The council must act now to upgrade and unblock the drainage system to prevent flooding and protect residents from these disruptions."

Residents voiced similar frustrations, calling for both immediate and long-term solutions. Mercy Gwande, a Harare resident, expressed her dissatisfaction with the city's ongoing neglect of its drainage issues. "The council has neglected these issues for far too long. We are tired of wading through water every rainy season. Mayor Jacob Mafume and his council need to step up and address this recurring problem," she said.

Tatenda Moyo, a resident of Mbare who works in the CBD, pointed out the daily challenges caused by the lack of infrastructure maintenance. "The flooding makes it impossible to get to work on time, and it poses safety risks to everyone. Immediate and long-term solutions are necessary. This can't keep happening," Moyo said.

Abigail Mutasa raised additional concerns about the health risks posed by stagnant water, which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other waterborne diseases. "We cannot afford to have such health threats due to council incompetence. We demand urgent action," she added.

Beyond the drainage issue, residents are also urging the Harare City Council to address the growing risk posed by ageing trees in the city. Hilda Mhizha, a concerned resident, said that old trees, particularly in storm-prone areas, need to be pruned or removed to prevent accidents. "The council must cut down old and big trees that pose a danger to both people and vehicles. We have seen branches fall during storms, which can easily cause fatalities," Mhizha warned.

With the rainy season in full swing, residents are calling for immediate action from the city leadership to ensure that flooding incidents do not continue to disrupt daily life. There is a clear demand for the council to prioritize infrastructure maintenance and improvements to safeguard public health and safety in the capital.