The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
VICTORIA FALLS residents have accused the resort city’s council for ignoring their pleas to rehabilitate the city’s drainage system, which contributed to the city being heavily affected by the flash floods that hit over the weekend.
The city was hit by flash floods, which saw water flowing into houses in Mkhosana and Chinotimba suburbs.
Last year the city was also hit by floods, leaving residents counting their loses.
The same situation prevailed this year, despite the council being implored by stakeholders to build proper drainage system, and also to clear culverts closed by garbage and sand.
The worst affected areas are Ward 9, especially around the shopping centre and close to the Vehicle Inspectorate Department Victoria Falls depot; Ward 10, behind Mosi-oa-Tunya High School and Ward 8, around Esikhwahleni area.
The low-density area and central business district, where hotels and lodges are located were not affected.
Victoria Falls Residents Association chairperson, Mr Kelvin Moyo, said the situation is unfortunate as they had been aware of the pending dangers.
“This is an unfortunate situation that did not flat-foot us, because this is an issue that we experienced last season and all the interested stakeholders including the council, the resident representatives and other relevant stakeholders spoke about the challenge of the drainage system, especially in Mkhosana because this situation is repeating itself,” Mr Moyo said.
“It has now become a seasonal challenge that we face and it is unfortunate that given the period since last year nothing meaningful and significant has been done towards the construction of the drainage system that could have perhaps saved residents’ property.”
Mr Moyo said this problem could have been averted had it been that Victoria Falls City Council prioritised their resources and channeled them to making sure they attend to the drainage situation.
Victoria Falls Mayor, Councillor Somveli Dlamini, who visited the affected areas, said the council will sit and work out a solution suggesting that a long-term solution is the construction of a storm drain.
