Construction Begins to Protect Teacher Housing from Flooding

Construction has officially commenced to reduce flooding around the MCV teacher housing compound! Our team has started digging new drainage channels behind the buildings to help move water away from the houses during heavy rains. These efforts come in response to the cyclone that struck Mangochi in March 2023. The torrential rainfall from the cyclone caused widespread flooding and overwhelmed the drainage systems. The houses themselves fortunately remained in good condition, but the surrounding area was heavily affected.

The drainage problem is largely due to the site’s location. The residential area sits on low-lying land and is partially bordered by a shallow stream. During periods of intense rainfall, the stream regularly overflows its banks as water levels rise upstream. Floodwaters then spill over the existing barrier and flow into the housing area. This water damage disrupts daily life for teachers and their families each rainy season.

The current construction project will create a more permanent solution. The plan is to widen and deepen a 350-meter stretch of the stream so it can safely carry much larger volumes of water. The soil dug out of the stream will be reused to build up a stronger embankment, which will then be planted with vetiver grass to help hold the soil in place. The goal of this project is to reduce flooding at the teacher housing site, allowing teachers and their families to live their lives without constant disruption. Stay tuned for more updates to come!