An accident waiting to happen
Friday was a big challenge as the somewhat heavy rainfall that lasted a short period left many roads across the capital flooded, making it dangerous for use by motorists and other road users. Segoditshane Road was temporarily closed to protect motorists and some people could not reach their workplaces, out of fear of the hazards awaiting as some roads were dangerously flooding.
The downpour was only brief, and now there are more questions than answers. Firstly, what would have happened had the rain lasted a few more hours? While it is commendable that government is trying hard to improve some roads within the city, the question that still begs an answer is what is the government doing about the poor drainage? This is a recurring problem and it has been happening for a couple of years now.
The expectation is that the government should have found a solution to the issue of poorly drained stormwater by now. Driving in the rain alone reduces visibility, now the challenge of flooded roads makes it even more dangerous for one to drive while it is raining in the city. Rain or no rain life has to go on, people have to go to work and businesses have to continue operating.
There are many places around the world that enjoy more frequent rains, but their roads do not have ‘small dams’ on their roads. Some people believe that the Gaborone City Council has failed to maintain the storm drains, hence why every little drop we get in the city leaves ‘small dams’ in the middle of roads. Some people were forced to sit in their cars because of waterlogged roads. Is it even the issue of poorly maintained storm drains or they were not properly constructed, to begin with? Stagnant water is not a danger only to motorists, it is also a health hazard.
Removing stormwater is considered a very important environmental health intervention for reducing the possibility of waterborne diseases spreading such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera, just to mention a few. Poor drainage systems and stormwater can easily contaminate water sources, not forgetting that children usually play in dirty stagnant stormwater. Each and every individual deserves to enjoy their right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to work and education.
The government should ensure it provides public services to its people and not just deliver the bare minimum. Batswana pay taxes and work very hard for their country and they deserve world-class roads and other basic necessities. All this can be accomplished with better planning. Fight corruption and make our Botswana great!