Flooding woes as Gwanda drainage system fails

Residents of Gwanda, the Matabeleland South capital, have expressed concern over the town's drainage system, which has been overwhelmed by recent heavy rains, leading to flooded streets and homes.

Collert Moyo, chairperson of the Gwanda Progressive Residents Association, highlighted the issues residents are facing, stating that the town's drainage system is inadequate, causing rainwater to overflow into homes.

"The challenge we have with the drainage system is that currently rainwater actually flows into people's houses. The run-off water should have a good and well-maintained drainage system. Some locations do not have a drainage system that is functional, it is just water everywhere," he said.

Moyo revealed that residents had engaged with the council, and officials took an inventory of the affected areas.

"We engaged with the council and they took some inventory in all the affected wards," he added.

However, Gwanda mayor Thulani Moyo dismissed the claims, attributing the flooding to flash floods, which are beyond the town's control.

"It is not about whether the drainage system is good or bad, the real issue is about flash floods. When these rains come, they come with sand, and this sand interferes with the culverts, causing clogging. Some of these issues stem from poor management of sand," he said.

"Whenever people are doing construction, they dump loads of sand along yards and roads, hence this sand ends up filling up drainage systems."

The mayor emphasized the need for community cooperation to address the issue, suggesting that residents should manage sand disposal better to prevent further drainage blockages.