Gweru’s Western suburbs affected by flash floods

INCESSANT rains received in Gweru have exposed poor workmanship by the city council and some land developers after residential areas were affected by flash floods.

Residents of Gweru’s western suburbs have been left counting their losses after their houses were affected by flash floods, as local authorities fail to come up with proper solutions to the perennial challenge.

Some have had to seek shelter at churches after their houses were submerged in water.

“I had to ferry my children to the local church for shelter as the situation became unbearable. The rains are really making it difficult for us to make ends meet. All our furniture was socked in water and this problem is continuing to cause problems for us. We just wish the city fathers will come up with a lasting solution to our problems.”

The government says it is coming up with a plan to ensure affected people are compensated.

“We came here to see for ourselves the plight of our people. We have a functional central protection unit and we believe these people deserve some solace from their misery. It is pathetic that we have to face the same problems over and over again without a reasonable solution in sight. We are going to engage the responsible authorities to ensure we get the intended answers,” said Abiot Maronge, Midlands Provincial Development Coordinator.

The government has challenged land developers and local authorities to rectify water drainage challenges, while residents occupying wetlands have been advised to vacate the areas.