News / National
Bulawayo blocked drains worsen situation
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The Bulawayo Fire Brigade has responded to 15 flood-related incidents since the start of the 2026 rainy season, including cases at three schools - Vulindlela Primary, Nzwananzi Primary and Aislyby Primary - with one minor injury recorded.
The figures highlight the growing flood risk in the city as persistent heavy rains continue to disrupt homes, roads and learning institutions.
On 19 January alone, the Fire Brigade attended six flood-related incidents, most of which were attributed to poorly maintained drainage systems blocked by waste such as diapers, bottles and clothes.
The situation has been particularly severe in Njube suburb, where residents say floodwaters frequently inundate homes due to neglected drainage infrastructure. Some residents claim the problem has persisted for years despite repeated reports to the Bulawayo City Council (BCC).
In an interview with CITE, one resident, who requested anonymity, said she first reported the blocked drainage to the council's WhatsApp platform on 11 December 2025.
"I even sent a reminder later, but no one has come to fix the drainage. Every time it rains, water flows straight into my house. We feel ignored," she said.
She added that while council staff occasionally visit the area, the work done is minimal and fails to address the root of the problem.
Another resident expressed similar frustration, saying council interventions have been short-lived.
"Some people come from the council, clear a little rubbish, and leave. The main problem remains, and after a few days it is back to the same situation. We don't understand why the BCC cannot provide a permanent solution," the resident said.
A third resident noted that flooding brings more than just water into homes.
"It carries dirt, bad smells and sometimes sewage. We have been reporting this for years, but nothing meaningful has been done. Every time there are heavy rains, the same thing happens," the resident said.
Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, who oversees flood response operations in Bulawayo, confirmed the incidents and attributed most of them to blocked drainage systems.
"On 19 January 2026, the Brigade attended six flood-related cases, most caused by poor drainage blocked with pampers, bottles and clothes," Moyo said.
He urged residents to stop disposing of waste in drainage systems, warning that such practices worsen flooding.
"People should never put pampers, bottles or clothes into drainage systems. These items block water flow and make floods worse," he said.
As the rainy season continues, authorities and residents alike face mounting pressure to address drainage challenges to reduce the risk of flooding and protect lives and property.
The figures highlight the growing flood risk in the city as persistent heavy rains continue to disrupt homes, roads and learning institutions.
On 19 January alone, the Fire Brigade attended six flood-related incidents, most of which were attributed to poorly maintained drainage systems blocked by waste such as diapers, bottles and clothes.
The situation has been particularly severe in Njube suburb, where residents say floodwaters frequently inundate homes due to neglected drainage infrastructure. Some residents claim the problem has persisted for years despite repeated reports to the Bulawayo City Council (BCC).
In an interview with CITE, one resident, who requested anonymity, said she first reported the blocked drainage to the council's WhatsApp platform on 11 December 2025.
"I even sent a reminder later, but no one has come to fix the drainage. Every time it rains, water flows straight into my house. We feel ignored," she said.
She added that while council staff occasionally visit the area, the work done is minimal and fails to address the root of the problem.
Another resident expressed similar frustration, saying council interventions have been short-lived.
"Some people come from the council, clear a little rubbish, and leave. The main problem remains, and after a few days it is back to the same situation. We don't understand why the BCC cannot provide a permanent solution," the resident said.
A third resident noted that flooding brings more than just water into homes.
"It carries dirt, bad smells and sometimes sewage. We have been reporting this for years, but nothing meaningful has been done. Every time there are heavy rains, the same thing happens," the resident said.
Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo, who oversees flood response operations in Bulawayo, confirmed the incidents and attributed most of them to blocked drainage systems.
"On 19 January 2026, the Brigade attended six flood-related cases, most caused by poor drainage blocked with pampers, bottles and clothes," Moyo said.
He urged residents to stop disposing of waste in drainage systems, warning that such practices worsen flooding.
"People should never put pampers, bottles or clothes into drainage systems. These items block water flow and make floods worse," he said.
As the rainy season continues, authorities and residents alike face mounting pressure to address drainage challenges to reduce the risk of flooding and protect lives and property.
Source - Cite
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