About 40 households in Section 1A of Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo remain affected by a persistent sewage crisis, with residents saying raw effluent continues to flood their homes despite repeated reports to authorities.
Residents told the CITE that what was once a routine municipal service has deteriorated into a serious public health risk, with a failing drainage system blamed for repeated sewage overflows.
Michael Ndlovu, a representative of Ward 28 under the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, said the problem has not been resolved despite ongoing complaints.
“The infrastructure has not been maintained for years and the drainage systems for these 40 homes have still not been properly fixed,” he said.
“Council comes from time to time and tries to address the issue, but within days the sewage bursts again, especially when it rains, and everything flows back into people’s homes. Residents are left facing the same problem over and over again with no lasting solution.”
Residents say the situation worsens during the rainy season or when water supplies are restored, placing further pressure on already compromised pipes.
Mehleli Ncube, one of the affected residents, described the conditions as unbearable.
“Since last year, when we reported the situation to the council, nothing has been permanently fixed,” she said.
“When it rains, sewage overflows into our yards and sometimes even into our homes. The smell is unbearable, and we cannot even open our windows.”
Another resident, Samuel Chimpodza, said repeated temporary repairs have failed to address the root cause of the problem.
“We have been reporting this for a long time but nothing changes,” he said.
“Council workers come to unblock the pipes, but after a few days everything is back to normal, with sewage flowing everywhere again, especially after rainfall. It feels like the work being done is only temporary.”
Health concerns are also mounting among residents. Lindani Ndebele said constant exposure to sewage is taking a toll, particularly on children.
“This situation is now affecting our health badly,” he said.
“The dirty water is always around us, and the smell is overwhelming. People are getting sick, especially children. I have had to go to hospital several times, and wearing a face mask at home has become normal.”
Residents say they are now calling for a permanent solution to the drainage failures, warning that without urgent intervention, the situation could deteriorate further.
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