adminIvan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
HARARE City Council has handed over a water kiosk to Budiriro residents that will sell water to residents as part of efforts to curb supply challenges in the suburb.
The kiosk, which will be managed by the community, was constructed by UNICEF, Oxfam and UNDP and handed over to council on behalf of the user community. The kiosk, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe, will be accessed through the use of a tap card and community members have to pay a fee to access the water.
The kiosk has a borehole that has a filtration, chlorine system and the water is tested for microbial and biological composition. Oxfam country director Miriam Van Dorssen said the borehole guaranteed safe water for the residents.
“This new innovation has two main water treatment components, that is the inline chlorination and ultra-violet filtration, which will guarantee safe water quality,” she said
Speaking after the handover, the committee’s treasurer Conrad Nyamande said residents had to produce their proof of residence to get a card.
“Currently, residents pay $40 for the tap card which they will use every time they need water,” he said.
He said vulnerable people will access water for free using unique water tap cards.
The partners highlighted that the water is strictly for drinking and a household is allowed to buy three buckets per day.
The funds will be used to maintain the borehole, buy chlorine, pay allowances for those manning the kiosk and also help maintaining other boreholes in the area.
Ward 33 Councillor Joseph Kunashe commended the partners for addressing clean water challenges in his ward and urged residents to take care of the borehole.
“Water is indeed an essential and basic need to every human being,” he said. “For us to achieve a world class city status the provision of safe and clean water is one of the key ingredients which we should embrace,”
Council will provide technical expertise for the kiosk’s maintenance.
Online Reporter