Residents of Kavule, Basiima, and Kikooza villages in Mukono District have been hit hard by heavy rains that flooded their homes and shops, causing significant damage to property. The affected residents have blamed contractors working on roads under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Development Project for poorly constructed drainage channels that directed rainwater into their homes and businesses. The flooding has left many residents without essential items, including mattresses, blankets, and mobile phones.
Pius Musoke, a property owner in the area, has accused the road contractors of diverting stormwater towards his buildings, leading to the flooding. Musoke, who owns rental houses and shops in the area, said that the flooding had not been a problem before the roadworks began. He explained that the drainage channels could not accommodate the volume of water during the recent downpour, causing it to flow into his rental units and damage property.
The flooding occurred quickly, leaving tenants with little time to move their belongings to safety. Musoke fears that the repeated flooding could affect his rental business, with several tenants already considering moving out after losing household property. The area was without electricity at the time of the flooding, which Musoke believes prevented possible electrocution. The incident has left many residents concerned about the safety of their homes and businesses.
Basiima Kikooza Kimbowa Village Chairman Ssonko Bamweyana has raised concerns about the drainage channels along the newly constructed roads. Bamweyana has called on the responsible authorities to inspect the drainage system and make necessary adjustments to stop rainwater from flowing into residential and commercial buildings. He warned that residents could suffer further losses if the drainage problem is not addressed before the next heavy downpour.
The affected residents are demanding that the road contractors and relevant authorities establish proper drainage channels to protect their homes, businesses, and property from further flooding. The incident has highlighted the need for proper infrastructure planning and construction to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. The authorities have yet to respond to the concerns raised by the residents.
The flooding in Mukono District is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. The incident has also highlighted the need for contractors to ensure that their projects do not harm the local community. The residents of Kavule, Basiima, and Kikooza villages are hoping that their concerns will be addressed, and they will be able to rebuild their homes and businesses without fear of future flooding.
Key points
- Contractors working on roads under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Development Project have been blamed for poorly constructed drainage channels that led to the flooding.
- The flooding has caused significant damage to property, including homes, shops, and household items.
- Residents are demanding that proper drainage channels be established to protect their homes and businesses from further flooding.
