Rains destroy 15 houses in Budiriro
A DOWNPOUR caused extensive damage in Budiriro on Thursday evening, leaving over a dozen houses submerged, while a six-year-old boy was swept away by floods that ensued.
Residents have since launched a community-led search for the minor, Kalil Marwa, of Budiriro 5B Extension.
The heavy rains also hit other parts of Harare.
Homeowners living in the wetland lying adjacent to Marimba River were left counting their losses after their properties were engulfed by water, which was flowing from the river after it broke its banks.
The police said they had dispatched the Sub-Aqua Unit to assist marooned residents.
“The ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) reports a sad incident where nearly 15 houses were submerged in water in Budiriro paddock area, Harare,” said the police in a statement.
“Several people were marooned and rescued by the ZRP Sub-Aqua Unit, while a six-year-old minor is missing after heavy rains which pounded Harare and surrounding areas.”
One of the affected residents, Mrs Susan Mlambo-Chaputika, who spoke to The Sunday Mail said the Harare City Council must relocate the community.
“I came here in 2015 after we were legally allocated these housing stands by council. I have an offer letter for this stand and I also pay my bills at the Budiriro 1 council offices,” she said.
“We started having this problem in 2016 and we reported it to the council, telling them that this place was a wetland and inhabitable.
“For the past eight years, council has been promising to relocate us but nothing has been done,” she added.
She blamed council for the loss of property caused by the rains.
“It is so painful that all these problems are caused by council. This boy was swept away by the heavy rains right before our eyes.”
She said she was unsure where she would stay during the rainy season after her home was destroyed.
Another resident, Mr Gorge Chaima, pleaded for Government’s urgent intervention.
“For years, we have been staying here and nothing has been done by the council to assist us,” he said.
“We are now appealing to Government to assist us because council has failed us.
“We don’t even have clean water to drink and we are afraid that another cholera outbreak might hit us.”