Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
VICTORIA Falls City management has reiterated a call for residents to desist from clogging storm drains with rubbish, to prevent flash flooding.
This follows a warning from the Meteorological Services Department that most parts of the country will experience heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flash floods until Saturday.
While many areas have experienced significant rainfall over the past week, Victoria Falls and its surrounding areas have remained relatively dry. Heavy rains have caused rivers and streams in other parts of the country to flood throughout the day.
In Nkayi, Matabeleland North, numerous bridges, particularly along St Paul’s Road, were swept away. Villagers have mobilised efforts to place stones and poles to ensure the safe passage of public transport vehicles.
The persistent rains have brought hope to farmers, who are busy planting and weeding their fields. However, rainfall activity in Victoria Falls has been minimal compared to other regions.
In recent years, flash floods have severely impacted the resort town, particularly in Mkhosana suburb, where residents have lost household property. Poor drainage has also led to road destruction in some areas. Previous flash floods have been attributed to littering, with items such as disposable nappies, plastic bottles, and paper blocking storm drains.
Speaking in an interview, Victoria Falls Town Clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube, said the local authority had heavily invested in storm drain cleaning and gully reclamation last year in preparation for the rainy season.
“We did a lot of storm drain cleaning while also repairing some. Gulley reclamation was also done, and we continue to encourage residents to stop dumping rubbish in storm drains. We urge our residents to take responsibility and clean the areas around their homes. If every resident maintains storm drains and surrounding areas, it will significantly reduce clogging and prevent flooding,” said Mr Dube.
He emphasised that while the responsibility for clearing storm drains rests with the local authority, residents must ensure rubbish is removed and refrain from improper disposal practices.
Mr Dube urged residents to monitor children and prevent them from playing in storm drains and roads, as accumulated water due to blockages poses a drowning risk.— @ncubeleon
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