Chitungwiza residents were left stunned this week after raw sewage flooded key streets, forcing pedestrians to improvise just to get home. In scenes that quickly went viral on social media, young women—dubbed “slay queens” by online users—were seen tightly holding onto durawall fencing as makeshift support while carefully crossing sewage-filled roads. The images and clips sparked shock, laughter, and anger in equal measure, painting a grim picture of daily survival amid failing infrastructure.
Witnesses say the stench was unbearable as overflowing manholes turned streets into rivers of waste, leaving no safe alternative route. “People had no choice,” one resident said. “You either risk it or stay stranded.” While some social media reactions were mocking, many Zimbabweans expressed outrage, saying the videos highlight a serious public-health emergency that has gone ignored for too long.
As the footage continues to trend, pressure is mounting on local authorities to act. Residents are demanding urgent repairs, proper drainage, and accountability—warning that today’s viral moment is tomorrow’s outbreak if nothing changes. For Chitungwiza, this isn’t just content for laughs; it’s a stark reminder that dignity, safety, and basic services are still a daily struggle.
