adminLocadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Gweru City Council has tendered for the supply of a new water pump to increase pumping capacity at the potable water supply dam, Gwenhoro. Town clerk Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza, while addressing a typhoid taskforce meeting, said water pumps at Gwenhoro Waterworks are now in a deplorable state, hence affecting the pumping capacity.
“We have tendered for the supply of one extra pump to increase pumping capacity at Gwenhoro.
“Under normal circumstances, the city requires 65 megalitres per day, but we are currently pumping below 40 megalitres, hence we are rationing the supply in most residential areas,” she said.
“We are following the national procurement processes, as you know we now have new guidelines for the purchasing of large goods.
“A new pump costs up to $1 million and we will get extra financial support from our regular funder.”
Ms Gwatipedza said service delivery was being affected by defaulting residents, adding that the current debt for both domestic and industrial bills now stands at $58 million.
The local authority, she said, is losing 57 percent of its treated water through burst pipes and leakages, with most of its equipment having outlived its lifespan.
Meanwhile, Gweru-based Zimbabwe General Medical Aid Fund has since donated utilities and supplies, including 20x500ml sodium hydrochloride, 4×24 baked bean tins for patients, 3×100 packs of latex gloves, 4×1 packs hand gloves and 6x750ml methylated spirit for use in the fight against typhoid.
Online Reporter