Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
GWERU City Council (GCC) has appealed for financial and logistical assistance from the Government to tackle the city’s worsening water supply crisis.
Frequent power cuts and antiquated infrastructure, dating back to the 1950s, are exacerbating the water shortages.
Last week, residents expressed frustration after going for three days without water, prompting many to resort to fetching water from unsafe sources as taps across the city ran dry.
The “‘dry spell” has raised concerns about the risk of water-borne diseases, particularly in high-density suburbs where residents have been forced to collect water from unprotected wells and streams.
According to the local authority, the crisis was triggered by a significant pipe bursts on the main pipeline from the Gwenhoro treatment works.
GCC has been struggling to cope with repeated bursts due to pressure build-up in the ageing water infrastructure, which is exacerbated by factors such as high pressure. The increased water pressure is placing additional strain on the pipes, resulting in bursts.
Last month, the Government took a significant step towards in addressing the water challenges in Gweru by launching two business units in Mkoba 4 and Mkoba 20, designed to transform the lives of residents by guaranteeing them regular water supplies.
The initiative seeks to address the prolonged water challenges in Gweru’s Mkoba North suburb, where households have endured years of uncertainty due to unreliable water supplies. The business units will supply households with reliable water, bringing the much-needed relief.
Gweru City’s daily water demand is more than 65 megalitres but council is only able to pump around 40 megalitres.
The shortfall has forced the local authority to ration water resulting in some suburbs going for days without water.
Speaking at the 718th Ordinary Council meeting held recently, chairperson of the Environmental Committee, Ward 13 Councillor Augustine Mutusva, said there is a pressing need for investment to secure a dedicated power line for the Gwenhoro water treatment plant and to modernise the city’s water system, which is currently under significant strain.
Present during the meeting was Gweru District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mr Tarisai Mudadigwa.
“DDC, we ask if you can speak to the Central Government to assist us with funds or resources. The lack of resources is what hinders our department’s performance,” said Cllr Mutusva.
He said they were struggling to provide consistent water supply, particularly to high-lying areas, amid power cuts and ageing equipment.
Cllr Mutusva said the water woes were compounded by an unreliable power supply that disrupts pumping operations at Gwenhoro water treatment plant.
“I think we have been saying the same thing over and over. Your Worship, if we say we have pumped water for a longer period, it would be about five-six hours before a power outage, and the same routine happens repeatedly; this disrupts our pumping capacity,” said Cllr Mutusva.
He argued that a dedicated power line, which could ensure 24 or 48 hours of continuous pumping, would significantly improve water delivery.
“The same water works we are using now were commissioned when Gwenhoro dam water reticulation system was installed (around 1957). However, Gweru has expanded significantly, and we now have areas like Woodlands, which are outside Gweru, that we supply with water from the same water reticulation system,” said Cllr Mutusva.
He said Gwenhoro’s water output is pumping about 45 megalitres per day when it should be over 65 megalitres per day.
Cllr Mutusva indicated that council has prioritised funding for new pumps and water infrastructure in its 2026 budget to improve water pumping capacity.
However, he said immediate relief depends on external support from the Government or partners and a continuous power supply.
“We have to expand our water works so that they match the population we have now. But for now, if we can at least get consistent power and uninterrupted pumping, it would help the high-lying areas that are not receiving water,” he said.
