in a bold step to tackle recurring flash floods in the city, Gweru City Council has issued a warning to property owners responsible for blocking drainage systems with uncleared water pathways.
In a notice, acting town clerk Livingston Churu said properties with illegal boundaries and walls should regularise their premises, failure of which they will be demolished.
“This notice serves to urgently request all property owners with boundary walls and culverts to clear all blockages or obstructions on the weep holes and culverts that may restrict the natural flow of rainwater,” Churu said.
“This is line with Section 78 (2) of the Water Act (chapter 20:24) that requires all property owners, who erect boundary walls and culverts to provide necessary works that allow water to freely circulate.
“This will go a long way in preventing flooding of your property and neighbouring properties during the forthcoming rainy season.
“Property owners are further reminded that blocking of these weep holes and culverts is prohibited and council will take relevant action on all those found on the breach.”
Churu added: “All properties with illegal boundary walls or durawalls are encouraged to regularise their structures, failure to regularise these illegal structures will result in council demolishing the structures at your own cost in line with chapter 2 of the Model Building By-laws of 1977.”
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director, Cornelia Selipiwe, welcomed the move saying most house owners were not complying with creating water pathways to allow the free flow of water.
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“I have not seen many property owners, who have an inclination of dealing with the flow of water,” Selipiwe said.
“I think it’s a culture that we really need to keep pushing for as a city.
“Not only are we referring to property owners but you see the generality of Gweru residents, who seem not to understand the essence of allowing the free flow of water.
“We have seen council digging drainages and opening culverts but we also seen the same residents that are affected by flash floods throwing litter into the same drains that would have been opened by the local authority.”
He said besides the warnings council should take action against people, who block drainages and making sure that water pathways are not blocked.
During the rainy season, the Midlands capital, particularly suburbs in low lying areas and those built on wetlands grapple with flash floods caused by heavy rains and poor drainage infrastructure leaving many residents displaced and property damaged.
