Staff Reporter

Mounting frustrations permeate Mbare as its residents confront the Harare City Council, currently under the leadership of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

The council is drawing sharp criticism for its continuous inability to tackle the recurring flooding problems that have paralyzed the community.

Recent heavy rains have left much of Mbare submerged, severely disrupting daily life and sparking fears of potential health outbreaks. This situation underscores the council's longstanding neglect in establishing and maintaining effective drainage systems.

Inundated roads meant that numerous residents could not commute to work, raising alarm about the stagnant water's potential to catalyse another cholera epidemic, mirroring the previous year's flooding-induced typhoid outbreak.

Jane Moyo, a long-time resident, expressed her dismay, stating, "Every rainy season, we grapple with these flooding challenges. The council's failure to implement efficient drainage solutions jeopardizes our well-being."

Mbare Market, a pivotal commercial hotspot in Harare, witnessed traders and farmers grappling with their drenched surroundings, rendering them out of work for days. Andrew Chikwama, a vegetable seller, recounted his misfortune, "The flooding forced me to discard much of my produce. The financial impact of such losses is overwhelming."

Distressed shoppers like Tendai Nyathi shared their experiences, saying, "For two days straight, I tried shopping here, only to be deterred by the overwhelming water and mud. It's completely untenable."

Compounding the situation, the apparent neglect in garbage collection by the CCC-led council worsens the predicament. The dangerous mix of stagnant water and accumulating waste raises considerable health concerns. Mary Kachere voiced her concerns, saying, "Given the council's oversight on waste management, the health risks we face are deeply alarming."

Martha Manake, another resident of Mbare, mentioned the dwindling confidence in the CCC-led Council. She expressed hope that the government might step in, noting, "We desperately need a resolution. The potential health crises and economic disruptions resulting from the council's indifference are too significant to overlook."

This flooding dilemma is particularly disheartening, given the government's recent endeavours to combat cholera and uplift sanitation standards in Zimbabwe. The ongoing setbacks in Mbare highlight the pressing need to reevaluate the effectiveness of such initiatives and the council's commitment to serving its residents.