GCC should fix the Gabs water flow mess

Mmegi Editor | Tuesday November 18, 2025 08:17

The sight of submerged yards and closed roads is an inconvenience and a clear sign that the capital’s water passages pose a problem to residents. With more rain forecast, this is not a time for panic, as Gaborone City Council (GCC) Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng rightly urges, but it is most certainly a time for urgent, collective action.

His appeal for calm must be matched by a firm commitment from both the GCC authorities and every single resident. The message from the city council is clear that they cannot fight this problem alone. It is a shared burden, and pointing fingers will only lead to more flooded homes when the next storm comes. On one hand, the city council must accelerate and intensify its efforts to address the situation and make Gaborone habitable. Residents have voiced valid concerns, calling for long-term solutions. The regular maintenance of critical waterways like the Segoditshane River is not a luxury, but rather a necessity. Clearing silt and bushes frequently, and considering the expansion of bridges and drains, are essential infrastructure projects that demand priority and funding. Proactive work today will prevent chaotic and costly emergencies tomorrow.

Under these circumstances, the role of every resident cannot be overstated. The mayor highlighted two critical issues that lie directly in our hands being waste disposal and property maintenance. Dumping litter in streams is an act of self-sabotage that costs the entire community.

A plastic bag or bottle carelessly thrown away can block a drain, diverting water into a neighbour’s living room. Similarly, landlords must be held accountable for ensuring their properties have functional drainage through perimeter walls. Building structures that block natural water paths is a recipe for disaster for everyone downstream.

The truth is, water will always flow. Our job is to ensure it has a clear path to follow. Gaborone’s tarred roads, unlike village pathways, accelerate this flow, making the drainage systems even more critical. Therefore, let this be a turning point. We call on the city council to lead from the front by investing in and executing a robust, clear maintenance schedule for our drains and rivers.

Equally, we call on every resident and landlord to become a guardian of their environment. Keep your surroundings clean, ensure your water outlets are clear, and report blockages. The rains will keep coming. But the flooding does not have to. By joining hands with authorities fixing the public passages, and residents safeguarding the private ones, we can channel the waters away from our doors and build a more resilient Gaborone for all.