As heavy rains continue to pound Bulawayo, exposing the city’s poor drainage system, women have taken a proactive role in protecting their families and communities.
While the rains offer much-needed relief from ongoing water shortages, they have also brought devastating floods that threaten lives and infrastructure.
In a recent newsletter from the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), media practitioner Princess Thandeka Tshuma highlighted the unique challenges women face during flooding.
“Flooding can be a devastating experience, especially for women who often bear the brunt of caring for their families and homes,” she said. “Women are disproportionately affected by floods, as they are often responsible for managing household chores, caring for children and the elderly, and maintaining family livelihoods.”
Recent floods in high-density suburbs like Cowdray Park have left many residents struggling to safeguard their homes. With flooding on the rise, women are urged to take a leading role in disaster preparedness.
Tshuma called on women to stay informed about weather updates, prepare emergency kits, and identify safe evacuation routes. “Women are also encouraged to take leadership roles in their communities, advocating for flood mitigation measures and supporting vulnerable members,” she added.
The recent death of a three-year-old boy swept away by floods in Lobengula suburb has raised serious concerns. Jabulile Siwela, the Programs Officer at WILD, highlighted the urgent need to address the city’s poor drainage system.
“The city center is susceptible to flash flooding due to blocked drainage systems, putting motorists and pedestrians in danger,” she said.
Siwela also pointed out that while the rains could improve Bulawayo’s dwindling water supplies, authorities need to act fast to fix the drainage issues. “The city fathers should swiftly address these challenges, which negatively affect infrastructure like the road network and buildings, now weakened and posing a risk to residents,” Siwela said.
Residents like Tanaka Sesa voiced their frustrations, calling on both the government and local authorities to intervene, according to Siwela.
“The rains have exposed what we have known for a long time: our poor drainage system. I call upon the government and the local authority to address this challenge,” Sesa said. “I believe the council might be incapacitated in terms of resources; hence, the government should come on board. This should be done before we lose more lives.”
