dyton mupawaenda
H-Metro Reporter
HARARE residents have united to address the escalating crisis of burst sewer and water pipes in their communities.
With the City of Harare’s Water Department reportedly overwhelmed and unable to respond adequately, residents have taken the civic duty to report leaks and coordinate repairs, highlighting a significant failure in municipality’s service delivery.
Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) director Precious Shumba condemned the local authority’s lack of action.
“It is our duty as residents to report these burst pipes to save our treated water and prevent pollution of the environment through sewage flows in our communities. Complaining without taking corrective action is a waste of time,” said Shumba.
To worsen the crisis, troubling allegations have been levelled against City of Harare workers who are reportedly demanding cash payments from residents to perform the necessary repairs.
Several residents have voiced their concerns anonymously about this unprofessional conduct, which they said places their health at significant risk.
Shumba said it often takes just a few dedicated individuals to deal with poor service delivery.
“When communities become more organised, cases of poor service delivery will be easily addressed,” he said.
However, Shumba said he remains concerned about the systemic issues plaguing the City of Harare’s Water Department.
“The City of Harare’s Department of Water has no capacity to attend to all burst water and sewer pipes, thereby compromising the health of residents,” he said.
Online Reporter