Story by Memory Chamisa
AS the rains pour down over Harare, the city’s residents have long welcomed the much-needed relief from the dry spell, however, alongside the refreshing showers comes the familiar sight of flooding, caused not by the intensity of the rains but by the persistent failure of the city’s drainage systems.
Motorists and pedestrians find themselves navigating impassable streets, as clogged drains become a significant source of frustration and danger.
For years, Harare has faced the same story every rainy season: the city’s stormwater drains, once intended to carry away rainfall, are instead choked with debris, waste, and neglect.
This recurring problem is a stark reminder of the Harare City Council’s ongoing shortcomings, particularly in its preparation for the rains, despite the evident need for timely action, the local authority’s inability to address the drainage issue has now become a permanent feature of the rainy season.
“This has become a perennial issue, Harare was once clean and organized, now, it feels like a disaster zone. The council must do better,” one frustrated citizen said.
“This is not just an inconvenience, it is a serious hazard. The city council must act urgently to restore Harare’s glory and fix the drainage system,” another echoed the same frustrations.
“Drainage in the CBD is a critical issue requiring immediate attention. Workers must ensure that debris removed from blocked drains is properly disposed of at the Pomona Dumpsite or other appropriate locations. Poor workmanship is often a problem, and many broken drainage systems need reconstruction using bricks and cement.
Harare Mayor His Worship Jacob Mafume acknowledged the challenge.
“We have recruited more workers through the Ministry of Local Government to deal with rubbish and other residue that has clogged the city’s drains,” he said.
“We are also going to look at the rapid developments that are happening in Harare which are contributing to the increase in water flooding in some areas, so we will have a solution so that we avoid a repeat for this season going to the next.”
The flooding has not only affected motorists and pedestrians but also led to severe traffic disruptions, with many struggling to navigate their way on the streets. The question, however, remains when will the city council take decisive action to address these perennial problems.
