Thupeyo Muleya [email protected]
Beitbridge town is facing an imminent water crisis, with after the municipality suspended water pumping on Wednesday following suspected pollution of its main supply dam.
In a public notice on Thursday, the Municipality said it had to suspended water pumping from the dam supplying the border town to ensure public safety.
“Technical teams from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and the Municipality are conducting joint investigations to determine the source, cause and extent of the suspected pollution,” said the Local Authority.
The Municipality said at this stage there are no visible signs of distressed or dead aquatic life in the dam or surrounding water, but pumping will remain suspended until comprehensive laboratory and technical results are obtained and expert clearance is granted for safe resumption.
“Residents are urged to use available water sparingly, as further updates will be communicated once official findings are finalised,” added the Municipality.
The Beitbridge shutdown has exposed a much wider vulnerability in a town where municipal water is yet to reach some sections, leaving residents to survive on alternative sources.
In new suburbs some households rely on boreholes, while others depend on purified water from private suppliers, an option many low-income families cannot afford on a daily basis.
The situation could worsen as temperatures continue to rise to around 40 degrees Celsius in most parts of the district, increasing demand for drinking water and sanitation.
Already the Local Auhtority has been struggling to supply at least 18mega litres of water to the town daily.
