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Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Power generation problems being experienced at Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe’s Hippo Valley plant have reportedly affected water pumping for Chiredzi, as the town’s water works are powered by electricity generated by the plant. With residents recovering from a two-month long trunk line repair which affected water provision, erratic power supplies have cut short their joy.
According to Chiredzi Town Council chairman Councillor Francis Moyo, the dedicated power supply for the town’s water works had been hit by intermittent electricity cuts. “We are equally worried about the continued failure by council to pump adequate water to meet our daily demand,” he said. “Previously, the distribution disturbances emanated from a serious repair which our team of engineers embarked on just after the storage tanks.”
Clr Moyo said council had drained all water from its tanks to work on the affected area. Power shortages at Hippo Valley, Clr Moyo said, led to the current water shortages.
“Our water works receive supplies from power generated from the Hippo Valley Mill,” he said. “It has, however, been reported that their generating machines had some problems, hence the recurrent water distribution challenge.” Cllr Moyo said the local authority would continue providing bulk water for the residents.
Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary general Mr Thagar Kedah lamented the continuous water challenges in the town calling for more efforts from council in restoring supplies.
“We are worried with the persistent water challenges, but we would urge council to continue providing bulk water supplies to the residents so that they do not travel long distances in search of the precious commodity,” he said.
Chiredzi is among the towns which were seriously affected by cholera and typhoid in 2008 after the council failed to avail clean water to its residents. The situation is getting out of hand as residents are now resorting to bush toilets due to water problems.
Online Reporter