Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
GWERU residents have resorted to using unhygienic water sources amid growing fears of a disease outbreak, as the city continues to grapple with severe water shortages.
Outdated water infrastructure and frequent power outages, coupled with a rapidly growing population, are among the key factors contributing to the ongoing water crisis.
At present, Gweru City Council is only able to pump around 60 megalitres of water per day — just half of the 125 megalitres required to meet the city’s daily demand.
The city’s water infrastructure, constructed between 1952 and 1957, is struggling to cope with the increasing population, while regular power cuts continue to disrupt water pumping and treatment operations.
In response, the local authority has introduced water rationing, with residents facing strict schedules.
Some areas now receive water only once or twice a week, forcing households to resort to alternative, often unsafe, sources for their daily needs like cooking, bathing, and cleaning.
This growing reliance on unsafe water sources has significantly increased the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
To address the crisis, the local authority is developing a comprehensive water master plan aimed at upgrading the city’s water infrastructure and ensuring a more reliable supply.
In an interview yesterday, Gweru City Council’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee, said the council is actively working to modernise its ageing water and reticulation system.
“Gweru City Council is actively working on upgrading its ageing water and reticulation system, which dates back to the 1950s. We are aware of the water challenges faced by residents, and plans are underway to address them,” she said.
“Water demand stands at 125 megalitres per day, but we can only supply an average of 60 megalitres. To manage this shortage, we are rationing water to ensure every household receives water at least twice a week.”
Ms Chingwaramusee added that the city’s water engineer is working on a long-term upgrade strategy.
“This will help us create a roadmap to meet both current and future demand. We are also replacing parts of the reticulation system, with a focus on improving supply. With the current rationing system, every household is supposed to receive water at least twice a week,” she said.
She also noted that efforts are underway to improve water supply by repairing broken pumps, purchasing new electric motors, and servicing water reservoirs.
Gweru Residents Trust acting chairman, Mr Obvious Gonamombe, expressed concern over the worsening water situation, attributing it to the city’s growing population due to urban migration.
“For the past week, residents in higher-lying areas such as Mkoba 15, 18, and 19 have endured dry taps.
“This has forced them to rely on the few boreholes available in the city, as well as unprotected wells — raising serious concerns about the risk of water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
“We urge the local authority to treat this issue with urgency. They could consider convening a water conference, in the hope that partners will come forward to invest in new water infrastructure,” he said.
