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Blessings Chidakwa and Sallomy Matare
HARARE City Council has said it requires about $20 million for treatment of water each month as levels of toxicity at its source rise, Lake Chivero increase.
Despite council attempting to use a cocktail of compounds to treat water, it has been condemned for its quality, while the increased chemicals are feared to have the potential to cause cancer.
In a statement, Harare City Council blamed the current levels of pollution on artisanal miners at Kintyre Estate at the apex of Lake Chivero.
“Council recently said the water situation in Harare should be declared an emergency issue so that we can marshal resources for the construction of new water sources such as the long awaited Kunzvi, Musami and Mazowe Dams,” read a statement from the council.
“Heavy pollution and farming activities are contributing to the current state. Artisanal gold mining on Kintyre Estate is also aiding in pollution. Council now requires up to 11 chemicals to treat the water to satisfactory levels.
“The bill in RTGs is now in the region of $20 million per month depending on the obtaining interbank rate.”
Harare mayor councillor Herbert Gomba recently said to cut costs for chemicals, the council had invited companies with solutions to water problems to do a pilot project, with the intention of building a water chemical manufacturing plant at Morton Jaffray water works.
This was after the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) had given the city fathers the green light to engage them.
He reiterated that the long-term solution for the city’s water supply rests in the construction of Kunzvi and Musami dams.
Online Reporter