As the heavens open up and the rains pour down, residents of Kadoma are facing a different kind of deluge - flash floods.
The city's poor drainage system has become a ticking time bomb, leaving many wondering if the authorities are prepared to handle the crisis.
This is the reality of life in Kadoma where the lack of investment in infrastructure is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.
As the city struggles to cope, it is time for a closer look at the systemic issues driving this crisis.
The flash floods have brought the city's drainage problems to the fore, with many areas, including the city centre, left underwater.
Streets are transformed into rivers, making it difficult for residents to move around.
The floods have also caused significant damage to property as eains find its way into homes.
Several households were affected by the rains, with the most affected areas including Chizuwi Street, Nyambo, and Munda streets to name only about a few.
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"It is a disaster, and it is final," said, Christine Mabwe of Rimuka suburb.
"The water is knee-deep in some areas, and we are struggling to get out. We need help, and we need it now," added Mabwe who has lived at her house for more than two decades.
The city's poor drainage systems have been a long-standing issue, with residents complaining of frequent floods during the rainy season.
The recent floods have brought the issue to a head, with residents demanding answers from the city authorities.
"We've been complaining about the drainage systems for years, but nothing has been done," said Charles Chiungwe.
"It’s frustrating, and it is getting worse as sewage also combine with the rains and find way into the house and we need a permanent solution to this problem.”
The city fathers have been blamed for the poor state of the drainage systems, with allegations that they have failed to invest in infrastructure development.
Engineers have warned that the city's drainage systems are inadequate and in need of urgent attention.
The drainage systems are in a deplorable state, and it's a recipe for disaster and the city council needs to prioritise infrastructure development and take immediate action to address this issue.
Ward 4 councillor Mathious Rwakonda, whose area has been severely affected by the floods, expressed his sympathy with the affected residents.
"I sympathise with the residents who have been affected by the floods,” Rwakonda said.
“I have reported the matter to the engineering department, and they have promised to act on the drainage.
“The poor drainage has been a problem for the past 10 years, and it is high time we took action.
“The residents were fearing that the rain season had approached, and unfortunately, their fears have come true," said the councillor.
"The drainage systems are in a mess, and it's causing a lot of problems for the residents. We need to work together to find a solution to this problem.”
Kadoma mayor Nigel Ruzario acknowledged the problem, saying, "We are aware of the challenges posed by the poor drainage systems in our city.
“The engineering department is working tirelessly to rectify the problem of drainage, and roads as the rains usually damage roads and poor drainage causes floods as rains enter homes.
“We appeal to residents to be patient as we work to address these issues.
"We understand the inconvenience caused by the floods, and we are doing our best to ensure that our residents are safe and comfortable.
“We will continue to work hard to improve the city's infrastructure and provide better services to our residents," added the Mayor.
The flash floods in Kadoma serve as a wake-up call for the city's authorities to take immediate action to address the poor state of the drainage systems.
Residents are calling for a comprehensive plan to upgrade the city's infrastructure, including the construction of new drains and the maintenance of existing ones.
