GWERU City Council has begun clearing drainages in all wards starting with the Central Business
District to minimise the risk of flooding during the coming rainy season.
GCC public relations officer Vimbai Chingwaramusee said they had intensified the exercise ahead of
the start of the rain season.
“Drainage clearance is an ongoing programme that runs throughout the year but intensified towards
the rainy season to counter floods.
“We however encourage our residents not to clog drainages as these are the main causes of flooding
during the rainy season,” Chingwaramusee said.
She said while every drainage system seems to function efficiently, it is necessary that they are
maintained regularly to rectify the problem of clogs, cracks and joint fractures.
One GCC employee partaking in the clearing said: “A significant advantage of this drainage cleaning
programme is that it helps with the free flow of water thereby preventing flooding,” he said.
“If you smell a lingering odour from the drain, it signifies that the system is under-maintained and
with its continuous usage over time, moulds and debris get caught in the drainage accessories, which
produce a foul smell.
“Depending on the clogging area, it can also trap sewer water, thus contributing to the foul stench.”
Apart from flooding, clogging problems pose a number of health hazards like breeding grounds for
mosquitoes.
Gweru has in the past experienced flooding during the rainy season as a result of blocked drainages.