By Perfect Chivima
Vungu Rural District Council and the City of Gweru have been urged to enforce bylaws and fine irresponsible residents who have been illegally dumping garbage in drainways and manholes in the Woodlands suburb thereby causing blockages and flooding.
Speaking during a tour of the Woodlands residential area, Ward Development Committee, Chairperson Obert Rupanga told journalists that dumping of foreign objects on manholes and drain ways were blocking the free flow of water in some parts of the suburb.
He said despite the work being done by the land developer, River Valley Properties to clear drainage systems residents continued to illegally throw garbage on drains while others who were still building deposed their building materials by the roadsides and waterways.
This has made it difficult for a smooth flow of water and caused flooding in some areas.
Rupanga said dumping waste into drainages was usually done at night and emphasized the need for a hefty penalty for all residents caught dumping waste in the drainage system.
“Everywhere we go, you see garbage or building material in the drainage system, and it’s time we call upon the local authorities to come in with measures to prove such actions by residents. The City of Gweru is also to blame as it is taking weeks or months without collecting garbage in the area,” said Rupanga.
Meanwhile, River Valley properties Dr Smelly Dube also echoed the same sentiments bemoaning the throwing of litter by residents in drainage systems. “Water from Mkoba 21 flows gradually in our drains and when it reaches Woodlands, the water passage is blocked with waste leading to a swampy choleraic environment hence the act of seizing perpetrators and submitting names with their residential address will help minimize drainage defects.
Dr Dube assured the residents that she would be on the ground with her team to ensure safe and clean drainage systems in Woodlands Park.
The land developer of the area River Valley Properties has spent thousands of dollars for the past two years in creating drainage systems to alleviate flooding and to allow free flow of water.
