Beauty and challenges of rain in the city
30 Dec 2024
Rains bring a mixture of emotions ranging from joy to relief and sometimes frustration.
For some Gaborone residents, though the rain was a welcome respite from the recent relentless heat, it also brought a series of challenges.
Sparks Chabaesele, a local resident, said when the raindrops fall, there is often a palpable sense of relief, “the air turns fresh and the earthy scent of wet soil fills the surroundings.”
Chabaesele shared that he always looks forward to the cooler temperatures and the lush greenery that rains brings.
“The sight of trees, flowers and shrubs glistening with raindrops offers a refreshing change to the otherwise pale urban landscape."
He said rain transformed the mood of the city creating a cozy atmosphere where restaurants become refuge for people seeking shelter from the storm.
“The streets and alleys shimmer with reflection of neon signs, car headlights and people carrying umbrellas, creating an inherent sense of tranquility amidst the sounds of rushing water,” he said, noting that the rain often drowns out the usual hustle and bustle of city life.
However, Kitso Moemedi, another Gaborone resident, said the beauty of the rain was not always a constant.
“As much as we love the rain, it brings a series of challenges,” she said, adding that travelling during the rainy season becomes a major inconvenience, as streets often flood.
“Poor drainage systems in the city struggle to keep up with the sudden downpours resulting in streets becoming inundated with water,” she said.
Beyond flooding, she noted the issue of waterlogging, when rain accumulates on roads and sidewalks, making it difficult for people to move about freely, “people might slip and vehicles can get stuck in waterlogged areas,” she added.
For small business owners, the rain brings even more significant challenges.
Kedirileng Marapo, a local vendor said rain often complicates her operations more that it provides comfort.
“Rain affects foot traffic, which is essential for our businesses, customers are less likely to go shopping especially for small items like chewing gum, fatcakes, lollipops, niknacks when it rains,” she explained.
The result is usually lower sales, reduced customer engagements, leaving inventory unsold and leading to potential financial losses.
However, Kedirileng sees an opportunity in the midst of the challenges.
She shared that she found creative ways to adapt to the unpredictable nature of rainstorms.
“I use social media to advertise that I am still open and some people may come by to support us, out of the goodness of their hearts,” she said. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Lesedi Thatayamodimo
Location : Gaborone
Event : Interview
Date : 30 Dec 2024
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