Chronicle Editor
THE Municipality of Gwanda has set tone on refurbishing its water treatment plant, in a move that will enhance service delivery and ensure adequate water supply to the residents of the mining town, the Mayor Councillor Thulani Moyo, said.
The stride aimed at fighting water shortages and curb the spread of cholera and other water-borne diseases is underway and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2024. In July 2022, Zinwa (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) handed over the treatment plant to Gwanda after the Government intervention when the two authorities were locked in an ownership wrangle.
Initially the plant had a carrying capacity of 10 000 cubic metres but this was reduced to 5 000 cubic metres as a result of pollution due to poor service. Gwanda is currently battling a deficit of 6 000 cubic metres in supplies due to the dilapidated water treatment plant, worsened by load-shedding. In an interview Clr Moyo assured that water was his council’s main priority this year.
“We have realised that our towns population is increasing due to rural-urban migration and our plant is currently producing only 5 000 cubic metres, due to its sorry state.
“We have a deficit of 6 000 cubic metres. We are currently refurbishing our water treatment plant to meet the consumption demand. With Government’s intervention we inherited the plant from Zinwa and it was already in a bad state with its carrying capacity depressed, but the population is increasing,” he said.
Clr Moyo also hinted that devolution funds will also be channelled to the water issue, as it is a matter of urgency.
“We have engaged Blanket Mine and other private players in our quest to refurbish the water treatment plant. For our plant to be fully functional we should also buy pumps. I am quite sure that our developmental-oriented Government will assist us. With devolution funds, we will channel these to address water challenges,” said Clr Moyo.
His council wants to assure that water reaches every corner of Gwanda without hindrance, especially in public areas like hospitals and schools. Clr Moyo said the council is working to update its billing system and ensure residents conserve water diligently.
“We also noted flaws in our billing system, which demotivated residents to pay their water bills. Currently, our billing system is being revised. We have engaged experienced technocrats to improve the billing system,” said Clr Moyo.
Due to growth and expansion of the mining town, the council is also considering construction of another water treatment plant, as part of its strategy towards attaining city status. The Municipality of Gwanda is engaging local banks, mines, business community and relevant stakeholders as part of its modernisation drive. The municipality has opened a forum for people who have developmental proposals. (Source: New Ziana)
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