Zanu-PF legislator for Harare East, Kiven Mutimbanyoka, has called on local authorities to improve drainage systems in urban areas to ensure residents’ safety during the rainy season.
Mutimbanyoka said recurring dysfunctional drainage systems reflect ageing stormwater infrastructure, inadequate maintenance and a lack of long-term urban planning.
“We are faced with the deplorable state of our urban drainage systems, an issue that gravely undermines the health, safety and dignity of our citizens. The recurring floods that follow every routine rainfall are no longer mere seasonal inconveniences,” he said.
“Ineffective drainage has unleashed torrents of water, filth and contamination in our homes, public spaces and even playgrounds where our children ought to be safe. The persistent failure of local authorities to devise forward-looking measures to address this crisis is both shocking and indefensible. This calamity is further compounded by the reckless parcelling of unserviced residential stands and the wanton desecration of wetlands.”
Mutimbanyoka said recent rains have exposed the extent of poor planning, blocked drains, traffic gridlocks, accidents and severe damage to road infrastructure and the environment.
“As a result, our people are exposed to unhygienic conditions, outbreaks of waterborne diseases and severely compromised access to basic sanitation, with casualties in some instances tragically recorded,” he said.
“Urban planning must urgently elevate drainage infrastructure as a national priority. Existing systems demand routine inspection, consistent maintenance and systematic clearing of power culverts. The sale of unserviced land must be halted, with stringent penalties imposed on profiteers. Councillors must be held accountable for safeguarding the welfare of our communities.”
Bulawayo motorists interviewed by CITE said poor drainage continues to damage their vehicles, forcing them to spend more on repairs.
“As a motorist, poor drainage in the city centre is really damaging my car during the rainy season. Each time it rains, the roads flood quickly, forcing me to drive through deep pools of water that I can’t always avoid,” said Zandile Ncube. “This has led to frequent problems with my brakes and suspension because the constant splashing and potholes hidden under the water strain the vehicle. Sometimes water even gets into the engine area, causing the car to misfire.”
Another motorist, Sibusiso Nyoni, said it becomes difficult to navigate potholes when the roads are flooded. “Every rainy season my car ends up suffering unnecessary damage. The roads quickly fill with water, and I’m often forced to drive through deep pools that hide potholes, which has led to issues like wheel misalignment and worn-out suspension,” she said. “It’s stressful, costly, and honestly disappointing that every year we face the same problem without a lasting solution.”
A resident from a high-density suburb said poor drainage often results in rainwater mixing with sewer water or filling trenches, putting people at risk.
“We always have burst sewer and our children play outside. They are exposed to water-borne diseases. Last year we even had a case where a minor was washed away by the rain,” the resident said. “We have elderly people too. They struggle to move around when there is a lot of stagnant water resulting from heavy rains. We really wish the council would prioritise clearing drainage systems ahead of the rainy season.”
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