More water for Gweru residents

Midlands Correspondent
GWERU City Council has improved its water pumping capacity after it repaired two pumps at Gwenhoro Dam that were damaged following a power outage last month.

After the mishap, the local authority pumping capacity dropped from an average of 60 megalitres per day to about 30 megalitres. Gweru mayor Councillor Charles Chikozho confirmed the development, but insisted that it remained a stop-gap measure.

“Initially, we thought the pumps were damaged beyond repair and we wanted to procure new ones, but the good thing is that we have managed to repair the pumps, meaning we have improved the water pumping capacity,” he said.

Clr Chikozho said the water supply situation had improved significantly.

“I am not sure about the exact pumping capacity after the repairs, but what I can assure you is that the situation has greatly improved,” he said.

Clr Chikozho said council was still going to procure new pumps.

“The repairs remain temporary,” he said. “They are just a stop gap measure to avert water shortage in the town. We are still going to procure the new pumps, but the repairs have helped to improve the water situation.”

The erratic water supply situation in Gweru had caused panic in the city, with residents afraid of water-borne diseases.