There is some sense of panic among Gweru residents residing in the flash flooding areas such as Mambo, Mtapa, Ascot Infill, Mkoba 6, Mkoba 4, 9, and 10 suburbs as the rains start.
Riverside and Nashville suburbs are also prone to flash floods which lead to flooding of homes.
Ms Marian Shumba of the Mambo suburb lost most of her property to floods in the last rainy season. Her three children were left with no food or blankets. The thought of floods traumatises her. She told the Chronicle:
Every time it rains I get goosebumps all over my body. Council is still to clear the storm drains and if there are heavy rains, it will definitely flood.
To prevent flooding in cities, authorities are encouraged to create flood plains and overflow areas for rivers, separate rainwater from the sewer system as well as install water infiltration and attenuation systems.
Mr Cornelius Selipiwe, Gweru Residents and Ratepayers’ Association director said the council was not doing enough to avert flooding challenges.
He said residents need to be taught on proper disposal of waste to avoid blocking drainages.
Meanwhile, City of Gweru public relations officer Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee said the council has covered over 40 kilometres of culverts and drainage clearance.
Experts warned of flash flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in the eastern parts of the country.