Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
GWERU residents are crying foul after going for three days without water, forcing many to fetch from unsafe sources as taps ran dry across the city.
The dry spell has sparked fears of waterborne diseases, especially in high-density suburbs where residents have resorted to drawing water from unprotected wells and streams.
Gweru City Council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee said the crisis was triggered by a major pipe burst on the mainline from the Gwenhoro treatment plant.
“We have a serious major burst pipe along our mainline from Gwenhoro Dam,” said Chingwaramusee.
She said the local authority has been battling repeated bursts due to pressure build-up in the ageing water system.
“We are experiencing water burst pipes on the mainline due to several factors, including high pressure.
Increased water pressure puts additional stress on pipes, leading to bursts,” she said.
Chingwaramusee added that council engineers are on the ground working to repair the damaged sections and prevent future breakdowns.
Bongani Ndlovu