Harare reels from flooding, congestion

Harare City Council has advised residents with "nothing to do in town" to leave the central business district (CBD) before dark as heavy rains continue to batter the capital, triggering flash floods and worsening traffic congestion.

The directive comes amid growing concern over frequent flooding in low-lying suburbs and mounting pressure on the city's ageing drainage infrastructure, which has been severely compromised by years of neglect, vandalism and the destruction of wetlands.

"All we are saying is that if you have nothing to do in town towards end of day, it's advisable to leave early before it gets dark," said City of Harare spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama.

In a statement issued yesterday, Acting Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said the city was receiving daily reports of flash flooding, particularly in Mbare, Highfield, Waterfalls, Warren Park, Budiriro and Glen Norah.

"Harare continues to receive heavy rains on a daily basis. The City is receiving reports of flash floods in low-lying areas, with most affected parts being Mbare, Highfield, Waterfalls, Warren Park, Budiriro and Glen Norah," said Eng Moyo.

She said the local authority, working with the Department of Civil Protection, had activated emergency response systems and was urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.

"The City of Harare, working closely with the Civil Protection Unit, is advising all residents and property owners in low-lying areas to track weather alerts daily, take heed of possible flood alerts, be on watch for flooding and take appropriate action to avoid risks," Eng Moyo said.

Motorists have also been urged to exercise caution on flooded roads, avoid parking under trees and help keep drainage systems clear.

"Residents are advised to drive cautiously, not to park vehicles under trees, avoid throwing litter in the drainage system and assist the city in deblocking drains in front of their properties," she said.

To ease traffic congestion exacerbated by flooded roads and frequent traffic light failures, council has encouraged motorists to adjust their travel times and leave the CBD early.

"To avoid congestion due to rains, we encourage motorists to adjust travelling times and leave the CBD early," Eng Moyo said.

However, the council's directive has drawn criticism from some residents and urban planning experts, who have described it as impractical and misguided, arguing that it shifts responsibility onto the public instead of addressing long-standing problems related to failing drainage infrastructure and unchecked urban development.

Harare has in recent years experienced recurrent flooding during the rainy season, with informal settlements, blocked drains and degraded wetlands worsening the impact of heavy downpours.