Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
THE Gweru City Council has embarked on an ambitious project to overhaul its ageing water and sanitation infrastructure.
The initiative begins with a comprehensive study to evaluate the city’s current and future needs, guided by the Water and Sanitation Upgrading Rehabilitation Design Report. This in-depth assessment will inform the council’s efforts to modernise its infrastructure, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply for residents.
In an interview, GCC Assistant Finance Director,
, said the forthcoming report would provide a detailed analysis of the city’s water demand, treatment capacity and sanitation systems.
“By evaluating key components such as dam capacity, water treatment plants and sewerage treatment facilities, the study aims to identify existing gaps and inform long-term strategies for sustainable growth and development,” he said.
Mr Masimba noted that key elements of the city’s water infrastructure, including Gwenhoro Dam and the water treatment plant, were constructed between 1952 and 1957 and no longer meet the demands of the growing population.
“This is why we are implementing water rationing, even though Gwenhoro is currently overflowing,” he said.
He explained that the water treatment plant was originally designed to supply 63 megalitres per day but Gweru now requires over 100 megalitres daily.
“Gweru’s water infrastructure, commissioned in 1957, is struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population, now exceeding 300 000 residents. Despite this growth, critical components of the water supply system — such as abstraction, treatment and distribution — have not been upgraded in tandem with the city’s expansion,” he said.
Mr Masimba further noted that Gweru is experiencing significant urban and peri-urban development, particularly in areas under the Vungu Rural District Council, which places additional strain on the already stretched water infrastructure.
He said the impact of the outdated system has resulted in recurring water shortages, inconsistent pressure and service interruptions affecting residents, businesses and institutions.
“Recognising the urgency of the situation, the local authority is undertaking a thorough study to assess current water demand, forecast future needs and determine the infrastructure required to meet those needs,” said Mr Masimba.
He added that the project will culminate in the development of a Water Master Plan, a strategic blueprint aimed at securing long-term water supply for all residents.
“The end goal of this study is to produce a detailed design report, which will serve as a foundation for mobilising long-term funding from Government agencies, development partners and investors.
“This will enable the city to implement much-needed upgrades, including enhancements to the water abstraction system, expansion of the treatment plant and modernisation of the distribution network, particularly the main trunk lines,” Mr Masimba said.
He emphasised that a reliable and sustainable water supply is essential for public health, economic development and overall quality of life.
“The city remains committed to working with all stakeholders to implement lasting solutions that will resolve Gweru’s perennial water challenges and support continued urban development,” he said.
Mr Masimba also highlighted that the pursuit of the Water Master Plan is aligned with Vision 2030.
“As 2025 marks the final phase of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Government has stressed the importance of each local authority developing comprehensive infrastructure plans to be fully implemented under NDS2 from 2026 onwards,” he said.
“This directive ensures that by 2030, local infrastructure, including water supply systems, will meet the standards expected of an upper-middle-income society.”
Mr Masimba said investing in modern, efficient and resilient water infrastructure is not just a necessity for Gweru, but a fundamental step towards achieving national development goals and improving residents’ quality of life.
“We need to commission this study to determine our exact daily water requirements and make projections for future growth. Our estimates suggest that Gweru needs between 120 and 130 megalitres per day, especially as we also supply water to suburbs outside our boundaries, such as Woodlands, Raylands and Tatenda Park,” he said.
He revealed that Gwenhoro’s main waterworks continues to face challenges, prompting budget allocations for repairs in 2025. A 100-metre section of the main pipeline from Gwenhoro has been vandalised by farmers along the route.
“Additionally, 40 percent of our treated water is lost due to leakages and theft, contributing to non-revenue water losses. The repair of this 100-metre section is critical to reducing those losses,” he said.
Mr Masimba added that the city’s water treatment plant is currently only able to pump 17 megalitres per day.
“We are also prioritising the upgrade of our sewerage treatment plant, whose inefficiency has led to repeated penalties from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA),” he said.
The City Council hopes that the planned improvements will enhance water supply efficiency, reduce wastage and improve sanitation services for Gweru residents.
He concluded by noting that a tender would soon be advertised in the press, inviting suitable firms to apply for the development of the Water Master Plan.
