Zimbabwe: Harare Drainage System Under Spotlight As Rains Approach

What the report says

Harare’s drainage preparedness has come under renewed scrutiny as the rainy season approaches, with the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) urging the city council to step up clearing and maintenance of storm-water drains. The warning, reported by 263Chat and distributed by AllAfrica, comes amid long-running concerns that poor drainage has worsened flooding in Zimbabwe’s capital.

CHRA director Reuben Akili said blocked or poorly maintained drains have repeatedly left roads and homes exposed during heavy rainfall. He said council had begun clearing some drains earlier in the year, but argued that the effort was being weakened when removed debris was left near the drainage channels and could be washed back in during rains. He also raised concerns about housing developments on wetlands, saying such areas are especially prone to flooding.

Akili cited affected suburbs including Tafara and Budiriro, and called for stronger drainage infrastructure in informal settlements such as Hopley and Southlea Park. His comments point to a broader urban planning issue in Harare: where storm-water systems are inadequate or poorly maintained, even seasonal rains can disrupt communities and damage property.

While the article focuses on resident advocacy rather than a council response, the issue is significant because flooding in urban areas can quickly become a public safety and infrastructure problem, especially in neighborhoods built on low-lying or waterlogged land.