BCC warns of flash floods

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued a strong warning to residents about potential flash floods as the rainy season begins, urging property owners to open weep holes on their boundary walls to allow proper drainage and prevent flooding.

In a notice to residents, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the measure is essential in reducing the risk of water accumulation and structural damage in flood-prone areas such as Sizinda, Pumula, Nketa, Emganwini, Nkulumane, and Cowdray Park.

"During the rainy season, the City of Bulawayo urges all property owners and residents to ensure that weep holes on boundary walls are open and functional," said Dube.

"Weep holes are small openings strategically placed at the base of boundary walls to allow storm-water to drain naturally, preventing water accumulation and potential flooding in residential areas."

Dube cited Section 78(2) of the Water Act [Chapter 20:24], which makes it mandatory for property owners to keep weep holes open to facilitate drainage. Failure to comply, he warned, could result in penalties, fines, or legal action in terms of the Roads Act [Chapter 13:18].

He explained that blocked or closed weep holes can cause significant damage, including water pooling on private or public property, damage to boundary walls, foundations, and nearby structures.

"Opening weep holes and keeping them clear of debris is a simple, but essential step to prevent these issues and to support the city's drainage system," Dube added.

Residents have also been encouraged to work with their neighbours to inspect and open weep holes along shared boundary walls. "This collaborative effort will help maintain effective drainage throughout neighbourhoods and ensure all properties are prepared for the increased rainfall," said Dube.

He further urged residents to contact emergency services in the event of flooding incidents.

Refuse Collection Boost

Meanwhile, Dube revealed that the local authority has stepped up efforts to address waste management challenges that have plagued the city in recent months.

"In response to recent challenges in refuse collection, the city has hired eight additional refuse compactors from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to augment its existing fleet," he said.

"This intervention forms part of the city's ongoing efforts to stabilise and enhance waste management operations, particularly in areas that experienced erratic refuse collection in recent weeks."

According to Dube, the council's immediate priority is restoring regular waste collection in the central business district (CBD) and wards 1 to 5, where uncollected garbage has become a growing concern.

"The acquisition of the new refuse compactors will see improvement in the collection of waste from shopping centres across the city," he said.

Bulawayo's city centre has in recent years become littered with illegal dumpsites in sanitary lanes and other areas, a situation worsened by informal vending activities and inconsistent refuse collection.

The council says the latest measures are aimed at ensuring the city remains clean and resilient during the rainy season.