$250 Penalty for Households Without Weepholes, BCC

By Anisha Hungwe

The Bulawayo City Council has issued a strong reminder to homeowners to ensure that their durawalls are equipped with weepholes to allow water to flow freely. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in a penalty of USD 250.

In an interview with Skyz Metro FM, Mr. Mhlangano Moyo, the Chief Fire Officer for Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services, stressed that it is illegal to obstruct the flow of rainwater, and violators face substantial fines.

“Natural water should be allowed to flow freely. Blocking the natural flow of water is prohibited. Under the bylaws, we have the authority to demolish the wall to ensure water can flow. This violation can lead to arrest and a USD 250 fine payable to the Bulawayo City Council,” said Moyo.

Homeowners are advised to install weepholes in their durawalls or risk fines, imprisonment, or the removal of their walls. The city’s bylaws under the Urban Councils Act Chapter 20.4 mandate that natural water flow must never be restricted.

“These laws are in place not to inconvenience homeowners but to ensure the safety of everyone.

“If water is allowed to flow, floods in homes can be avoided. We want the public to know we are serious about enforcing these laws,” Moyo explained.

The warning comes as Bulawayo enters its rainy season, with average to above-average rainfall expected. Weepholes in durawalls will help prevent flooding in residential areas.

“We have seen heavy rains in Bulawayo this week, and we anticipate more to come. Homeowners need to be cautious when constructing durawalls to avoid problems that could easily be prevented,” Moyo urged.

In 2023, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade responded to 29 cases of house flooding due to blocked or absent weepholes. A family in Minyela was displaced, losing all their belongings after their durawall, lacking weepholes, caused rainwater to flood their home.