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Walter Nyamukondiwa
Kariba Bureau
THE Kariba Municipality has earmarked $86 million from the Devolution Fund towards water augmentation, street lighting and procurement of road maintenance equipment.
The tendering process for the projects and supply of equipment has already begun.
At least four water pumps will be purchased to improve availability of water and also replace worn out equipment.
Kariba municipality spokesperson Mr Gabriel Mazivofa said the installation of the pumps would not completely solve the resort town’s intermittent water challenges.
“Purchase of pumps is an ongoing equipment replacement programme. As a result water availability will improve, but not 100 percent,” said Mr Mazivofa.
There are however, outstanding works and equipment needed to ensure all areas get water such as rehabilitation of the filter bridge, reservoirs capacity improvement including repair of steel tanks at Mahombekombe Water Works.
It also includes completion and commissioning of Kasese and Baobab extension reservoirs and rehabilitation of the pipe network.
Perennial water challenges in the Nyamhunga township’s Teacher area are expected to be addressed as tenders for the supply of plumbing materials have been invited with funding under the Devolution Fund.
Already, a development partner is upgrading the Heights suburb pipeline.
Kariba Municipality is also set to install solar street lights on all main roads in the town’s suburbs.
“We have tendered out 220 solar street lights which are to be installed on main roads targeting areas with no street-lights at the moment,” said Mr Mazivofa.
“They will be installed at a maximum height of 8 metres above ground and it’s an all in one unit and a pole, which means we are not going to bury anything underground.
“This should make the installation secure from vandalism.”
The municipality also expects to equip its engineering department through purchase of road maintenance equipment including a 10 cubic metre tipper for haulage of gravel, stones and river sand.
It will also take delivery of a double drum pedestrian roller for compaction on roadworks especially pothole patching and repairs on road edges.
A manual compaction device was being used.
Online Reporter
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