The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Harare City Council (HCC) says it will not take the blame for flash floods that have been witnessed in some high-density suburbs, claiming some of the settlements were built on wetlands.
Suburbs such as Southlea Park, Hoplea and parts of Chitungwiza were affected after recent incessant rains.
HCC acting corporate communications manager Mr Innocent Ruwende said some of the areas most affected by floods were not regularised by council.
“Illegal settlements and those with people who settled before the requisite infrastructure is provided are the worst affected, especially in areas where there are no roads and drainage facilities,” he said.
“The excess water quickly runs into rivers, overwhelming storm drains and ditches and cause flash floods. Most cities, if not all cities, are at higher risk for floods because rooftops funnel rainfall to the ground below and paved surfaces such as highways and parking lots prevent the ground from absorbing the rain.”
