×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

‘Mutare Council negligent, incompetent’

News
MUTARE residents have accused the local authority of negligence and incompetence following drainage-induced flash floods that claimed one life.

MUTARE residents have accused the local authority of negligence and incompetence following drainage-induced flash floods that claimed one life and left a trail of destruction in Chikanga suburb last week. OBEY MANAYITI STAFF REPORTER

The floods were caused by the city’s blocked drainage system.

A seven-year-old boy was swept away and drowned in the floods while six families were left homeless after their houses were flooded.

“I am now staying at a friend’s house. Besides my house, my property was also destroyed,” he said.

“We blame council for this. Before this disaster, I and other residents went to council last Monday to report that we needed a proper drainage system because we sensed that we were heading for a disaster and saw officials from the engineering department who promised that they would look into the issue,” said Sandikonda Beura, one of the affected residents.

“Nothing was done and we went back on Tuesday and met the mayor (Tatenda Nhamarare) and town clerk (Obert Muzawazi) with the same concern of widening the drain so that water would not flow through our houses.

“We were promised that they would fix the problem, but they also said we should talk to the developer of that area. They did nothing until the floods that then claimed a seven-year-old child,” he said.

Some of the affected families were now squatting at the nearby Murahwa Primary School while others had moved into relatives’ homes.

Mildred Matika, who is a relative of the deceased (Thembani Matika), said she was in great dipair when their house was washed away and memories of seeing the deceased swept away would continue haunting her.

“We never slept last week as water was flowing into our houses. A plan should be drawn to avoid repeating this. As rains continue pouring, we urge relevant officials to clearly make a plan to save our lives, houses and property,” said Gilbert Chamanga.

During a full council meeting last Friday, councillors accused management of failing to apply themselves fully to their duties.

“There is lack of seriousness on the part of management. They are just receiving residents’ money for nothing. If we fail to deliver Local Government minister (Ignatius) Chombo will pounce on us. Even councillors should be serious too,” said councillor Chrispen Dube.

Deputy mayor Collen Mukwada and councillor Tarwirei Mabika called for a management shake-up to ensure efficiency at town house.