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IN 1980, Harare’s water supply was generally considered adequate for the city’s population, which was then around 600 000.
The infrastructure was originally designed to serve a smaller, colonial-era population but had been expanded over time to accommodate the city’s growth.
Water was sourced from several reservoirs, including Lake Chivero (formerly Lake McIlwaine) and Lake Manyame (formerly Darwendale Dam), which supplied treated water to the urban area.
However, despite these developments, the system was beginning to show signs of strain.
Population growth, rapid urbanisation and increased industrial activity were putting pressure on the existing water treatment and distribution infrastructure. Inadequate maintenance and planning contributed to occasional water shortages, particularly in the high-density suburbs.
While the system managed to meet the needs of residents in the short term, it was clear that Harare’s water supply infrastructure would need significant upgrades to keep up with future population growth and ensure reliable access to clean water.
The situation in 1980 was a precursor to more severe water crises in later decades, as population booms and neglect of water infrastructure investments exacerbated shortages and water quality issues.
1990s to early 2000s
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Harare’s water supply situation progressively worsened as rapid population growth, urban sprawl and deteriorating infrastructure outpaced the city’s capacity to provide clean, reliable water.
Population growth
By 1990, Harare’s population had grown to around 1,2 million and by 2002 it exceeded 1,9 million. The water infrastructure, initially designed for a much smaller population, struggled to keep up. This growth far exceeded the capacity of water supply sources like Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame, which were initially adequate for a population of fewer than 1 million.
Water treatment plants
By the early 2000s, Harare’s main water treatment plant, Morton Jaffray, was operating far below capacity due to lack of maintenance, aging equipment and frequent breakdowns. Originally designed to produce 614 million litres per day, it managed only around 400 million litres by 2002, insufficient for the growing demand.
Water pollution
Pollution of the main reservoirs, particularly Lake Chivero, became a severe issue due to untreated sewage, agricultural runoff and industrial waste. This worsened water quality and increased the cost and difficulty of treating water.
Water rationing
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Harare began experiencing frequent water shortages, leading to water rationing in many areas, especially in high-density suburbs, where supply was unreliable and intermittent.
This period marked a critical decline in Harare’s ability to provide adequate water to its growing population.
Current situation
Harare is currently facing a critical water crisis, exacerbated by various challenges.
The city’s water infrastructure, which was designed in the 1960s, can no longer meet the needs of a population that has grown to nearly 1,85 million.
Harare’s daily water production is only about 303 megalitres (ML), far below the demand of 800 to 1 300 ML.
This shortfall is worsened by significant losses — over 60 percent of treated water is lost due to leaks and illegal connections.
The city’s two main water treatment plants, Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward, are struggling due to outdated infrastructure and frequent shutdowns.
For example, the Prince Edward plant has been decommissioned due to low water levels, leaving many areas without a reliable supply.
Additionally, many residents rely on boreholes, but some are located in areas contaminated by sewage, raising health concerns. This lack of clean water has contributed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera.
Efforts to improve the situation include the current construction of Kunzvi Dam.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter