Harare Correspondent
Heavy rains that fell in Harare on Thursday resulted in significant flooding in parts of the Central Business District (CBD), rendering some areas impassable.
The flooding was primarily caused by clogged drainages, which have been a persistent issue in the City.
Many pedestrians faced difficulties navigating through large pools of water at key intersections, particularly along Angwa Street, Robson Manyika, Robert Mugabe Streets, and Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela intersections. Commuters reported delays in reaching their destinations, with some arriving late to work due to the adverse conditions.
Shop owners near the affected areas expressed frustration, noting that the flooding has severely impacted their businesses. Ms. Providence Man’ena, a local shop owner, stated,
“The water is everywhere, making it impossible for customers to reach my shop. We need better drainage to handle runoff water. This is becoming a regular problem.”
Traffic Disruptions
The flooding not only disrupted businesses but also caused significant traffic issues, with many motorists struggling to navigate the flooded streets. Some parking bays, particularly along Robson Manyika Street, were filled with water and potholes, complicating parking for drivers.
Mr. Stainely Gama, spokesperson for the Harare City Council, acknowledged the ongoing challenges with flooding in the city. He noted that the size of the CBD complicates the council’s ability to address drainage issues promptly.
“The CBD is too large, and sometimes we are unaware of these issues,” he explained.
However, he assured that the council has been working on improving the drainage system for the past three months and responds to reported problems as quickly as possible.
Zim GBC News©2024