BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has warned residents about flash floods, and urged them to open weep holes on boundary walls to avert flooding.
Bulawayo suburbs that are prone to flash flooding during rainy seasons are Sizinda, Pumula, Nketa, Emganwini, Nkulumane and Cowdray Park.
In a notice to the residents, town clerk Christopher Dube urged residents to open weep holes on boundary walls as the rainy season has begun.
“During the rainy season, the City of Bulawayo urges all property owners and residents to ensure that weep holes on boundary walls are open and functional,” Dube said.
“Weep holes are small openings strategically placed at the base of boundary walls to allow storm-water to drain naturally, preventing water accumulation and potential flooding in residential areas.
“According to section 78(2) of the Water Act [Chapter 20:24], it is mandatory for property owners to keep weep holes open to facilitate drainage.
“Failure to comply with these requirements, which help in reducing flood risks, may result in penalties, fines or legal action as outlined in the Roads Act [Chapter 13:18].”
He said closed or obstructed weep holes could cause water pooling and flooding on private or public property, structural damage to boundary walls, foundations and nearby structures.
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“Opening weep holes and keeping them clear of debris is a simple, but essential step to prevent these issues and to support the city’s drainage system.
“All property owners are required to co-ordinate with adjacent neighbours to inspect and open weep holes along shared boundary walls.
“This collaborative effort will help to maintain effective drainage throughout neighbourhoods and ensure all properties are prepared for the increased rainfall.”
Dube advised residents to contact emergency services in cases of flooding.
On waste management, he said the city council had taken steps to improve efficiency and consistency in refuse collection across the city.
“In response to recent challenges in refuse collection, the city has hired eight additional refuse compactors from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to augment its existing fleet,” Dube said.
“This intervention forms part of the city’s ongoing efforts to stabilise and enhance waste management operations, particularly in areas that experienced erratic refuse collection in recent weeks.”
Dube said the immediate focus would be to restore regular refuse collection in the central business district and wards 1 to 5, where waste accumulation has become a concern.
“The acquisition of the new refuse compactors will see improvement in the collection of waste from shopping centres across the city,” Dube said.
Bulawayo city centre has become synonymous with the dumpsites in various sanitary lanes and other places, mostly blamed on vending.
