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Talent Gore
HARARE residents have called on the City Council to compensate the family of the four-year-old toddler who drowned in a collapsed sewer pipe.
The boy was swept away and his body was recovered at one of the council’s sewerage works, four kilometres away from where he fell into the sewer piple.
Council admitted that the concrete line had collapsed a long time ago due to gas pressures, but went unreported.
City of Harare spokesperson, Stanley Gama, confirmed the tragic incident.
“To the family, we say kindly accept our heartfelt sympathies for the loss.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic loss.
“The City of Harare will do all it can to assist the family during this bereavement.
“We urge residents to report any cases of sewer bursts for prompt responses and action to repair,” said Gama.
However, residents in the area are claiming that they reported the matter but there was no response.
“We always report issues that happen but the City Council workers never show up, they tell us that they do not have fuel or even suggest that we give them money for fuel so that they attend,” said one of residents, who preferred anonymity.
“It’s very unfortunate that this has happened but it is something that could have been avoided.”
Another resident, Bernard Mutemasango, said the tragic incident was a devastating reminder of the consequences of the city’s crumbling infrastructure and negligence.
“A four-year-old boy’s life was lost due to a collapsed sewer line that had gone unreported for far too long,” he said.
“I hope that the family demands a full investigation into this preventable tragedy, the city must be held accountable for their failure to maintain infrastructure and ensure safety to residents.
“No more lives should be lost due to negligence and complacency.”
Another resident, Nyaradzo Kumbino, said City of Harare takes time to respond to reports.
“Currently, there is a burst water pipe in Avondale, Beveridge Road that was reported over three weeks ago but no action has been taken until now,” she said.
“Precious water is being lost everyday and the road is getting eroded, noone is going to fix that road also.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter