By Sharon Basilika | MUKONO
Residents of Kavule, Basiima and Kikooza villages in Mukono District have lost property worth millions of shillings after heavy rains flooded homes and shops.
The affected residents blame contractors working on roads under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Development Project for what they describe as poorly constructed drainage channels that direct rainwater into their homes and businesses.
Mattresses, blankets, mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators and merchandise were among the items damaged by the floods. Some residents said they were unable to save their belongings as water rushed into their houses.
Pius Musoke, who owns rental houses and shops in the area, accused the road contractors of diverting stormwater towards his buildings.
Musoke said flooding had not been a problem in the area 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.
According to Musoke, the water entered the houses so quickly that tenants had little time to move their belongings to safety.
He fears the repeated flooding could affect his rental business, with several tenants already considering moving out after losing household property.
Musoke said the area had no electricity at the time of the flooding, which he believes prevented possible electrocution.
Basiima Kikooza Kimbowa Village Chairman Ssonko Bamweyana also raised concerns about the drainage channels along the newly constructed roads.
Bamweyana called on the responsible authorities to inspect the drainage system and make the 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 want the road contractors and relevant authorities to establish proper drainage channels to protect their homes, businesses and property from further flooding.
