Bulawayo Residents Struggle with Severe Flooding Amid Seasonal Rains

In Bulawayo, what was once a welcome sound to many residents—the pitter-patter of rain—has transformed into a source of dread, particularly in neighborhoods such as Sizinda, Emakhandeni, and Cowdray Park. Areas that have long struggled with water shortages now find themselves contending with severe flooding during the rainy season.

Prisca Moyo, a Sizinda resident, lives in constant fear every time dark clouds appear on the horizon. Situated in a low-lying area, her home is particularly vulnerable, and even light rainfall causes her yard to flood. On many occasions, the water has seeped into her house, soaking her belongings and leaving her to deal with the aftermath.

“Instead of feeling relieved, I now dread the rain,” Moyo shared. “It’s a constant battle to get the water out of the house, and every time it rains, it feels like a curse.”

Moyo’s situation is not isolated. Many others in Sizinda face similar flooding issues due to inadequate drainage systems. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Saturday Chronicle highlighted the widespread effects of the problem, showing damp walls and surfaces throughout the area. Algae growth on walls is a common sight, caused by stagnant water that doesn’t drain away properly.

For elderly residents like Alisto Ndau, the flooding has become a grim reality they have no power to change. “There’s nothing we can do about the water that keeps pooling in the yard,” he said, describing the daily struggle that many face when rainwater continues to invade their living spaces.

In Cowdray Park, Millian Phiri has had a similarly frustrating experience. Despite investing in a new home, the seasonal rains have caused devastating flooding. “Whenever it rains heavily, we’re in trouble,” she lamented. “Our home is often submerged, and we have to resort to putting blankets and clothes on the bed to protect our belongings.”

Prince Nhliziyo, a resident of New Lobengula, has found himself elevating his furniture with bricks to prevent water damage. Like many others in low-lying neighborhoods, he is dealing with increasingly frequent flooding, a reality that residents have had to adapt to.

Although the rains were initially seen as a blessing due to the city’s long-standing water scarcity, they have now become a nightmare for those in areas with poor drainage infrastructure. The existing system simply cannot handle the volume of water, putting homes in flood-prone areas at risk.

In response to these challenges, local government officials have begun taking steps to improve the drainage infrastructure. Tswagai Fikile Marovatsanga, the Director of Local Government in Bulawayo, assured residents at a recent meeting that work to address the drainage problems would commence once the rains ease. However, with the Meteorological Service Department forecasting above-normal rainfall for the 2024-2025 season, many residents worry that the flooding will only intensify.

As the rains continue to fall, residents like Moyo, Phiri, and Ndau are left hoping for prompt action to prevent further damage to their homes. Until then, they remain trapped in a cycle of flooding and cleanup, holding onto the hope that one day, the rain will bring relief instead of hardship.

ALSO READ : EcoCash Holdings Zimbabwe Appoints New Directors Amid Leadership Changes