THE heavy downpour that hit Bulawayo on Tuesday this week left a trail of destruction in several parts of the city's suburbs, Southern Eye has established.
Some residents were left in the open after violent winds that accompanied the heavy rains blew off roofs, damaging buildings, food items and blankets.
The most affected suburbs were Sizinda and Richmond, where 20 tenants are accommodated at their neighbours’ houses after suffering heavy losses.
In an interview, Bulawayo City Council acting chief fire officer Mahlangano Moyo said roofing sheets worth approximately ZiG300 000 (about US$10 300 at interbank rate) were destroyed.
“Twenty houses were affected by the storm, where three roofing sheets each, infrastructure, food items, blankets were swept away. The damage caused is approximately ZiG300 000.
“We suspended the operation yesterday (Tuesday) as it was dark, we are going to finish it today (Wednesday), but that is what we found,” Moyo said.
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He said people should regularly check their roof nails for safety.
“We are urging the community to regularly check their roof nails and replace weak ones,” Moyo said.
“They should also (leave weep) holes on their precast walls. If we find a wall without a (weep) hole, they are charged as that causes flooding.”
Meanwhile, people with disabilities in Cowdray Park have bemoaned flooding due to the heavy rains experienced, hindering their movements to the central business district to beg for alms.