News / National
Bulawayo residents urged to stop littering amid clogged drainage
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Residents of Bulawayo have been urged to take responsibility for their surroundings by avoiding littering, in a bid to prevent the clogging of the city's already problematic drainage systems.
Recent heavy rains in the city have highlighted the inadequacies of Bulawayo's storm drainage infrastructure, as evidenced by waterlogged roads and flash flooding in several areas. The situation has caused concern among local residents, with many calling for action from the municipality to address the drainage blockages that are exacerbating the flooding.
During a meeting held by the Ward 9 Bulawayo Residents Association, one resident suggested that the municipality consider outsourcing labor to clear the clogged drainage systems to ensure that water can flow freely during rains.
“Can you outsource labor to clear the drainage systems for the network to properly function and for rainwater to flow easily?” one concerned resident asked during the meeting.
Winos Dube, the chairperson of the Bulawayo United Residents Association, acknowledged the municipality's role but also pointed out that residents themselves were contributing to the problem.
“While we are appealing to the council to clear clogged drainage systems, residents should also stop being careless by littering in trenches, which is what is clogging the drains,” Dube said. “This is a shared responsibility between residents and the local authority.”
The blocked drainage systems have led to artificial flooding in the streets, creating a breeding ground for water-borne diseases and posing a risk to public health. The flooding also increases the danger of road accidents, as vehicles and pedestrians struggle to navigate the inundated streets.
Bulawayo, particularly its older neighborhoods, is known to be prone to flash floods during the rainy season due to the poor state of its storm drainage systems. With the rainy season in full swing, residents are being urged to work with the municipality to ensure the city is better prepared to handle future downpours.
Recent heavy rains in the city have highlighted the inadequacies of Bulawayo's storm drainage infrastructure, as evidenced by waterlogged roads and flash flooding in several areas. The situation has caused concern among local residents, with many calling for action from the municipality to address the drainage blockages that are exacerbating the flooding.
During a meeting held by the Ward 9 Bulawayo Residents Association, one resident suggested that the municipality consider outsourcing labor to clear the clogged drainage systems to ensure that water can flow freely during rains.
“Can you outsource labor to clear the drainage systems for the network to properly function and for rainwater to flow easily?” one concerned resident asked during the meeting.
“While we are appealing to the council to clear clogged drainage systems, residents should also stop being careless by littering in trenches, which is what is clogging the drains,” Dube said. “This is a shared responsibility between residents and the local authority.”
The blocked drainage systems have led to artificial flooding in the streets, creating a breeding ground for water-borne diseases and posing a risk to public health. The flooding also increases the danger of road accidents, as vehicles and pedestrians struggle to navigate the inundated streets.
Bulawayo, particularly its older neighborhoods, is known to be prone to flash floods during the rainy season due to the poor state of its storm drainage systems. With the rainy season in full swing, residents are being urged to work with the municipality to ensure the city is better prepared to handle future downpours.
Source - southern eye
