Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Check Point Desk
HARARE City Council and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) branded-water delivery trucks meant to offer emergency relief are under investigation for allegedly selling unregulated and contaminated water to residents at inflated prices.
The investigation, which is being carried out by both entities followed inquiries by the Check Point Desk on the authorities pertaining to the trucks that are allegedly selling contaminated water to the residents.
Some of the trucks, bearing City of Harare and ZINWA insignia are allegedly collecting water from unverified boreholes and open sources, before offloading it in residential areas and selling it for up to US$5 per 20-litre container.
In Glen View, Budiriro, Mbare and Dzivaresekwa, residents reported stomach ailments and skin irritations after consuming or using the water supplied by these trucks.
“We assumed the council water was treated, but after using it to cook, my children fell sick,” said Ms Tendai Mukumba, a mother of three in Glenview.
“When we boil it, there is a thick green residue. This water is not safe, but we have no other option.”
On Saturday evening, a ZINWA-branded water bowser was observed in Budiriro 5 conducting unregulated door-to-door sales.
No safety documentation or water quality guarantees were provided. Residents claimed this was a regular occurrence during dry spells.
“They come at night and do not answer questions. You just pay or go without water,” said Mr Tawanda Nyandoro, a vendor in Dzivaresekwa Extension.
City of Harare’s spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama said the local authority has launched investigations.
“The City council is in no way engaged in such unscrupulous activities,” he said.
“It is probably rogue elements using council branded trucks or criminals taking advantage of people. These people must be reported to council and we will take action.”
Zinwa head corporate communications and marketing Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said they do not operate any bulk water delivery trucks in Harare or any other town.
“However, the Authority has, in the past, dealt with cases of abuse of its name and brand by illegal bulk water dealers or by individuals who would have acquired vehicles from Zinwa asset disposal auctions who then continue to use the vehicles while they still bear the Zinwa brand,” she said.
“Bulk water dealers using such branded vehicles should be reported to the police or to Zinwa through its Call Centre.”
Public health experts have raised alarm and said the practice could lead to another outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera or typhoid.
“This is a serious breach of public health protocol,” said Dr Brighton Musiyarira, a Harare-based epidemiologist.
“Water that is not tested or chlorinated should never be consumed. Government and municipalities must seal and track delivery trucks and ensure water is collected only from certified sources.”
Harare continues to face water challenges due to outdated infrastructure and erratic power supplies.
Residents in most suburbs go for weeks without tap water, leaving them vulnerable to exploitative and unsafe alternatives.
In Mbare, residents have called for a full audit of water deliveries.
“We need to know where this water is coming from,” said a local resident.
“If the authorities are not protecting us, they are exposing us to death.”
Residents with evidence of contaminated water deliveries or unapproved sales have been urged to report directly to council or to Zinwa for further investigations.
Peter Tanyanyiwa