City drainage menace . . . Council to embark on storm drains clearance . . . violators of by-laws face arrest File picture
The streets of Harare were clogged last year as a result of the blockage of the erratic drainage system as seen in this file picture

The streets of Harare were clogged last year as a result of the blockage of the erratic drainage system as seen in this file picture

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
WITH Harare having received its first rains yesterday, the city council said it will start clearing storm drains next week in the Central Business District and residential areas, city director of works Engineer Phillip Pfukwa, said.

He said the city wanted to avert flooding that was caused by blocked storm water drains during the onset of the rainy season last year.

“From next week, council workers will be both in the CBD and in the residential areas to clean the drainage system. We will put more bins and clear designated dumpsites in order to minimise rubbish that finds its way into storm drains.”

The flooding in the CBD last year left several motorists grounded as many roads were impassible.

The overflowing water also damaged property in clothing shops and food outlets as some materials were socked.

Eng Pfukwa said a number of measures had already been put in place to avoid flooding including clearing “Catch Pits” for the free movement of water.

“What we did as the City of Harare was the relocation of vendors to designated areas. These people were also responsible for blocking the drainage system as they threw litter everywhere.”

Eng Pfukwa warned construction companies and residents building houses to shun placing building materials such as bricks and sand in front of drainages, adding that blocked the water ways.

He said council workers were on high alert and anyone seen violating city by-laws would face the full wrath of the law.

He warned motorists to avoid driving in the low lying areas during the rainy season as they risked drowning.

“The rainfall season is associated with flash floods which are dangerous. All pedestrians and motorists are expected to avoid all the low lying areas to keep at bay and avoid being swept away,” he said.

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