Downpour destroys 40 houses in Zanzibar, 13 families homeless

 More than forty houses in Zanzibar’s Mwanyanya area have been destroyed by floods following a three-day heavy downpour.

 

The deluge and destruction have left thirteen families homeless confirmed Mwanyanya local government Chairman, Pembe Khamis Pembe yesterday in the city.

 

He said the area was most affected as a result of poor urban planning; “most of the plots here are not surveyed…some of the houses are built on water channels,” he said noting that they have consulted the Ministry of Health to provide water treatment drugs and medicines.

 

Some of the interviewed flood victims called upon the government to visit the area and provide them with essential drugs to avoid outbreak of diseases.

 

Amina Ali Shabani said if immediate measures are not taken the residents are likely to suffer from cholera and/or any other communicable waterborne disease. 

 

“The surrounding environment is not hygienic, most of the water sources are contaminated,” she said.

 

“We did not have floods in previous years…the problems we are facing today have been caused by poor planning,” Amina said.

 

On his part, Abeid Hassan Zahera said he has been living in the area for over forty years and has never experienced floods.

 

“The responsible authorities should take measures against those who block the water drainages,” he urged.

 

Responding, West A District Commissioner, Mwinyiusi Abdallah said the government will extend support to the victims and that a team of professionals from his office will conduct a survey of the area to verify the claims.

 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN