… Residents, business left counting losses
By Perpetua Murungweni
The first major rains that fell in Masvingo on November 6, exposed Masvingo City’s poor drainage systems as the city was nearly submerged with runoff water that got into houses and shops soaking food, clothes as well as groceries.
Several streets in Masvingo CBD were impassable and the runoff got into several shops downtown and several houses especially in Mucheke and Runyararo West.
Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) board chairperson Thomas Mbetu urged council to address drainage system in the city saying the problem was becoming an annual occurrence.
“There is need for council to address drainage system through regular maintenance and infrastructure upgrades to protect residents’ health, property, and overall quality of life. Implementing effective drainage solutions can mitigate these impacts and foster a healthier and more resilient community.
“Ineffective drainage leads to water pooling during heavy rains, increasing the risk of localised flooding, damaging homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, resulting in costly repairs for residents. Clogged drainages cause stagnant water which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, increasing the risk of diseases such as malaria. Poor drainage can decrease property values, affecting residents’ investments since water floods into their homes and business,” said Mbetu.
He said the association had tried to engage council on the matter but the local authority failed to take action and the results were there for everyone to see.
“We have always engaged Masvingo City Council to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to dealing with making sure drainage systems are cleared and maintained before the start of every rainy season. However, it seems like council has learnt nothing and forgotten everything. Every year, they are found wanting and this is a cause of concern for residents,” said Mbetu.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe said council was working towards improvement and upgrading of the drainage systems in the city.
“The heavy rains were beyond our control but we have managed to open up all the drainage systems. With these type of heavy rainfalls, the drainages are easily clogged and close up resulting in flooding of the CBD and most residential areas.
“So far we have managed to install drainage systems in the high density suburbs where we are targeting around 4km. We were having problems in Runyararo West but we managed to widen the stream so that water will easily flow and that has reduced casualties this time around.
“Our town is continuously growing, the major contributor to these drainage chaoses is the ever growing Victoria Ranch, water runoff has increased and we are working on improving our drainage system especially in the urban set up,” said Tabe.
One business owner who refused to be named urged council to take action otherwise most businesses would close every rain season.
“Council should take action to maintain and repair drainage systems in the CBD otherwise we might be forced to close our businesses because water flows into our shops damaging goods,” said the businessperson.
One resident Nomsa Moyo from ward 3 said council should act on the drainage system because whenever they are heavy rains, their houses would be flooded with water ruining property.
“Council should try and upgrade their drainage systems because whenever it rains water flows into our houses damaging our properties. I have small kids that I’m also worried will drown in the drains because they are clogged and full of dirty water,” Moyo said.
