Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
Harare City Council, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, today unveiled a US$46 000 solar-powered piped water project at a local clinic and school, which can provide 40 000 litres of water daily.
This development comes as the cash-strapped Harare City Council has been struggling to provide clean and safe water to both clinics and residents, leaving them at risk of waterborne diseases.
The solar-powered piped water schemes were installed at Rujeko Polyclinic in Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana 5 Primary School, which has over 2 300 pupils, and is also expected to benefit the surrounding residents.
Speaking on behalf of Harare City Council’s director of health, Dr Prosper Chonzi, the medical officer for the northern district under which Rujeko Polyclinic falls, Dr Albert Mupambo, said: “As the City of Harare, we are deeply grateful for this timely and thoughtful intervention.
“The handover of these solar-powered piped water schemes to Rujeko Polyclinic and Kuwadzana 5 Primary School, valued at US$46 000 is not just a gesture of generosity, it is a demonstration of deep commitment to safeguarding public health and preserving the dignity of our communities.”
The projects were implemented by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, with the generous support of development partners – the Finnish Red Cross and ECHO.
Zimbabwe Red Cross Society secretary-general Mr Elias Hwenga said: “The installation of these two solar-powered systems, each with a 20,000-litre storage capacity, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat the persistent water shortages that have plagued these vital institutions.
“With generous funding from ECHO and the Finnish Red Cross, we are proud to provide a reliable source of safe water, essential for healthcare delivery and education.
“Previously, Rujeko Polyclinic relied on a borehole powered by grid electricity, a system fraught with challenges that disrupted critical services, particularly maternity care.”
Ms Miriam Mugweni, the sister-in-charge at Rujeko Polyclinic, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it brought much-needed relief.
“Our borehole was reliant on the national grid, often leaving us struggling to provide water for maternity services during power outages.
“With the new solar-powered system and water reservoirs, we are now able to provide a reliable water supply to the clinic and the community.”
Online Reporter