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Pardon Manase
RESIDENTS in some of Harare’s high density suburbs have resorted to community boreholes for reliable water as the Council continues to struggle to provide basic services.
Community boreholes have now become the main source of water as municipal water is perceived to be of poor quality on the occasions it is available.
Harare Residents Trust director, Precious Shumba, said community boreholes have become the lifeblood of most residents in both high and middle density areas given the perceived poor quality of municipal water.
“Supplies of water remain erratic and when available, residents have observed impurities in the municipal water, and it is smelly and produces a greenish- brownish foam,” he said.
“Therefore, the availability of community boreholes has become the major source of water for residents who strongly believe that the council has no capacity to provide them with water.”
A city resident said community boreholes have fostered a sense of unity and cooperation among residents.
“We come together to manage and maintain a borehole, ensuring that we have a constant supply of water.
“This ownership has empowered us as a community to take control of our own destiny, rather than waiting for the Council to act.
“Municipalities need to be held accountable for their failures and action taken to address issues that have led communities to seek alternatives solutions.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge