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Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The shortage of water in Beitbridge continues as the levels are dropping in major supply dams due to the effects of the El Nino induced drought.
In addition to dwindling supply sources, the local municipality has been struggling to meet the daily demand of 18 megalitres after the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) installed a prepaid meter on the raw water supply point.
Zinwa supplies raw water to the council which then treats and delivers it to the end users.
However, the cash strapped council has been struggling to service its debt that is now over ZWG3 million, leading to Zinwa’s latest move.
On the other hand, residents, businesses and Government departments owe the council over ZWG40 million in bills.
As it stands, some suburbs are going for at least 48 hours without adequate water supplies, leaving the residents at the mercy of water vendors who sell a 20-litre bucket of borehole water for between R3 and R5.
Speaking during a recent budget presentation meeting, Beitbridge Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Manatsa said the council needs at least US$20 000 to restore normal water supplies and service its debt.
He said the installation of a prepaid water meter for raw water affected the municipality’s ability to maintain normal supply of potable water.
“We need US$20 000 or its equivalent every week to restore normal supplies of water while paying part of the debt at every recharge,” said Councillor Manatsa.
He said the council is also looking at the possibility of a new revenue stream from the sale of water to Musina in South Africa.
“The Government of Zimbabwe signed an agreement with the Government of South Africa for Zimbabwe (Beitbridge) to supply water to Musina. If this succeeds, it will give our council the much needed revenue. We think this will bear fruit in 2025.”
Online Reporter