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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge East member of National Assembly Cde Albert Nguluvhe has appealed to Government to avail funds to upgrade the town’s storm water drain to address perennial flooding in the border town.

He said it was worrisome that the people around Dulivhadzimo suburb continued to be victims of flash floods every rainy season.

Cde Nguluvhe said though the municipality was working on a long term plan to address drainage, there was need for central Government top step in with more resources, including funds and technical expertise.

On Monday 844 people living near the bus terminus and the municipality hostels were affected by flash floods, which either destroyed or washed away their valuables.

Speaking during a visit to the floods victims, Cde Nguluvhe said: “The problem here is bigger than the local authority. They need a lot of funds and resources to address the drainage system.

“From my assessments today, it is important for central Government to step in. We need to find a long term solution to the issues of flooding and construction or upgrading of storm water drains.”

Most of flooding areas are around the Wamlala stream, which cuts across the town and is fast becoming a bigger river.

In its 2019 budget, Beitbridge municipality committed to spend $197 000 on upgrading the storm water drain.

“As we work on upgrading and improving the town’s storm water drains,” said Cde Nguluvhe. “It is important that we find ways of supplying potable water to the floods victims to avoid an outbreak of water bone diseases.

“We are working with other stakeholders to bring food, soap, clothes and other consumables, including medication. At the same time I appeal to well-wishers to assist our brothers and sisters in their greatest time of need.”

Cde Nguluvhe said those willing to help should do so through the local Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chaired by the District Administrator.

He said in the long run, it was critical for the local authority to relocate most of the people at the municipal hostels.

“These hostels were built a long time ago as a construction camp,” said Cde Nguluvhe. “We will engage with all relevant stakeholders to make sure we deal with the crisis at the hostels. They are not habitable.”

Cde Nguluvhe said the area was susceptible to more flooding disasters should torrential rains continue.