Chronicle Editor
Tafadzwa Chibukwa, Chronicle Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has partnered with Africa AHEAD (AA) in upgrading sewer infrastructure in Makokoba suburb so as to reduce the incidence of pipe bursts. AA is a non-governmental organisation that provides targeted long-term investment capital and a fully committed agent to Sub Saharan Africa towards sustainable development.
Under this partnership, the organisation has availed funding to the city to rehabilitate and change sewer pipes around the suburb. The programme is expected to enhance service delivery and solve perennial sewer bursts, which were posing health risks to residents.
In an interview, Ward 7 Councillor, Shadreck Sibanda, said sewer bursts had been very problematic in the suburb due to ageing infrastructure and small pipes.
“This initiative was implemented by the council to deal with the problem at hand since it was now becoming unhygienic for the residents in the suburb,” he said.
“The refurbishment of the pipes will cover the area of connection of all pipes around Makokoba, putting a permanent solution to sewer problems.”
Clr Sibanda could not disclose the budget involved in the programme. Makokoba residents who spoke to Chronicle expressed excitement and gratitude over the initiative saying this was a step in the right direction. They said they had been appealing to council to make a plan over the years and were happy that finally their cries had been heard.
Mrs Orpah Sibanda, a resident and a member of the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA)’s health unit, said they had been facing sewer bursts for many years.
“These sewer pipes had been causing health problems to society as children were playing near them and at times our toilets would block since we are very close to the main sewer pipe,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda said the council once initiated pipe changes four years ago and this time they are continuing their refurbishment programme. -@Sagepapie14
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