Chronicle Editor
Johnsias Mutonhori
GWERU City Council (GCC) has installed two high-lift motors at its main water source, Gwenhoro, in a move to address water supply challenges that have dogged the city for years.
Speaking during a full council meeting on Monday, the Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko said council has finished the testing stages and was hopeful that the upgraded water pumping system will ease the city’s water shortages.
“I am delighted to share that we are forging ahead with steadfast determination to enhance our infrastructure. The commissioning of two high-lift motors at Gwenhoro is well underway to ensure smooth flow of water,” he said.
Gweru residents have for more than eight years been subjected to stringent water rationing as most suburbs are receiving water for just two days a week.
The local authority attributed this to perennial faulty pumps and technical hiccups including pipe bursts and electricity supply challenges.
Clr Chivhoko said the high-lift motors will enable council to pump more water and increase the number of days residents can have water in a week.
“The target is to ensure residents have water for more than two days a week and this is possible now because we are able to pump more water,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko said in order for council to sustain the increased water supply, it has to maintain the entire water reticulation system.
Meanwhile, in a bid to address the problem of power cuts, council has applied for land to establish a solar farm at Gwenhoro which will provide back-up power.
Online Reporter