Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
HARARE Ward 45 Councillor Jubilation Shoko has hailed progress in the rehabilitation and replacement of sewer infrastructure in Dzivaresekwa and parts of Kuwadzana, saying the interventions have transformed sanitation conditions in the area.
Ward 45, which covers parts of Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana, has for years grappled with ageing sewer systems, resulting in frequent blockages and overflows that posed serious health risks to residents.
In an interview, Clr Shoko said the ward adopted a deliberate and systematic approach to address the problem, focusing on replacing old and damaged pipes in areas that had become perennial hotspots.
“Our major achievement has been restoring cleanliness through addressing sewer challenges,” he said.
“For a long time, parts of Dzivarasekwa, particularly Dzivarasekwa 1, were known for persistent sewer bursts, but that is now changing.”
He said throughout 2025 and into early 2026, the council, working with its technical teams, prioritised full pipe replacement rather than temporary repairs.
“We agreed that wherever there were recurring sewer problems, the only lasting solution was to replace the pipes,” said Clr Shoko.
“We have been moving around the ward, targeting those critical points, and the results have been very encouraging.”
Clr Shoko cited several key areas where infrastructure has been upgraded, bringing relief to residents who had endured years of sewer spillages.
“If you go along Robert Mugabe Road, near Fundo Primary School, that stretch used to experience sewage flows almost every year,” he said. “We replaced the pipes there, and that problem has now been resolved.”
He added that another major intervention was carried out near Dzivarasekwa 1 High School, where a severely affected section of the sewer line was rehabilitated.
“We replaced about 78 metres of pipeline in that area, which had been a major challenge for a long time,” he said. “Since then, the situation has greatly improved.”
Ongoing works are also being undertaken along Takawira Street, which Clr Shoko described as one of the remaining problematic zones.
“That area has been quite challenging, but we are making steady progress,” he said. “Step by step, we are winning the battle against sewer challenges.”
Clr Shoko said the interventions have not only improved sanitation but also enhanced the general environment in the ward.
“If you move around Ward 45 today, you will see the difference; it is much cleaner than before,” he said.
“Residents themselves can testify to the improvements we have made.”
He said the ward has also improved its response time to sewer-related complaints, with teams now attending to reported cases within 24 to 48 hours.
“We have reduced our turnaround time significantly,” said Clr Shoko. “If a resident reports a problem today, we aim to respond within 24 hours, provided there are no unforeseen challenges.”
Clr Shoko emphasised that continued investment in infrastructure rehabilitation remains key to sustaining the gains achieved so far.
“We are committed to ensuring that our sewer systems are reliable and efficient,” he said. “Our goal is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all residents in Ward 45, Dzivarasekwa.”
He said while challenges remain, the progress recorded demonstrates what can be achieved through focused planning and consistent implementation.
“We are not yet at the finish line, but the progress is there for everyone to see,” said Clr Shoko. “We will continue working until all problem areas are fully addressed.”
Online Reporter