Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
As the rainy season continues, some residents in Bulawayo have expressed frustration towards their neighbors who refuse to open weep holes and clear drainage systems, which are essential to prevent water pooling and flooding.
Recently, the City of Bulawayo issued a statement urging property owners to ensure that weep holes in boundary walls are open and functional, as mandated by Section 78(2) of the Water Act [Chapter 20:24].
These weep holes, strategically placed at the base of boundary walls, are crucial for proper drainage.
The council has warned that non-compliance with these requirements could lead to penalties, fines, or legal action under the Roads Act [Chapter 13:18].
The local authority highlighted the importance of this measure, citing risks such as structural damage to boundary walls, health hazards from standing water, and an increased likelihood of waterborne diseases.
However, some residents are concerned that their neighbors are not taking these warnings seriously. Mavis Zitha, a resident, emphasized the need for compliance along Airport Road in the QueensPark suburb, where the cultivation of drainage areas has resulted in severe flooding. She stated,
“Those who are cultivating along Airport Road, make sure you open the storm drain that comes from the flyover passing through Conway up to Frere Road. Some people’s houses were damaged by water because of that closed drain.”
Another resident, Mrs. Lingham, shared her frustrations regarding the lack of cooperation in her neighborhood.
“You plead with the residents, but they don’t seem to hear or care about our drains. It’s such a small portion that it could be done in a day. Please, let us try, residents. We had a very bad experience of the house and cottage being waterlogged,” she appealed.
Pilate, another local, cautioned against cultivating on drainage areas, urging,
“Please, let’s not cultivate on the drainages.”
Meanwhile, Patricia Matina claimed to have heard that the local authority would soon take action against violators, saying,
“We heard council will be moving around with a grader to open drains, so those who have cultivated along the drains, you are not spared.”
Despite the urgency of the situation, some residents expressed reservations about the council’s initiative.
Mr. Dubley criticized the measure, pointing out poor hygiene standards among neighbors. “It may be a legal requirement, but some neighbours have too many lodgers, which is illegal and has led to a total breakdown of hygiene—loose diapers, smelly chicken droppings, and other dirt within their premises. I say no to this ill-thought idea, which was arrived at to protect a failed system. What I am doing is the opposite, to protect my property and family,” he argued.
Another resident reminded the city council of its responsibilities regarding drainage maintenance. “Council must also not forget to do their part in opening all drainage paths and blocked bridges,” he stated.
In response, the city council has called for collaborative efforts among property owners to inspect and maintain open weep holes along shared walls, ensuring neighborhoods are prepared for increased rainfall. Residents needing assistance or further information are encouraged to contact the city’s Works Department – Roads Branch.
Ward 2 councillor, Rendani Moyo, urged residents to comply with council regulations aimed at preventing flooding, noting that flooding at households “came with a lot of financial inconveniences.”
He remarked,
“We have witnessed the onset of the rainy season and this has already shown us a glimpse of what to expect going forward. I would like to urge residents to play their part by making sure that their perimeter walls have ‘weep holes’ and that storm drains in front of their properties are in a good state.”
“Flooding comes with a lot of inconveniences, financial and otherwise. Let us all play our part,” Moyo concluded.
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