Ward 45 water overhaul begins as city targets cholera hotspots

Remember Deketeke

Municipal Correspondent

A MAJOR water infrastructure overhaul has begun in Ward 45, Kuwadzana Phase 3, as the City of Harare moves to replace ageing pipes and install prepaid water meters in a bid to improve supply and curb disease outbreaks in one of the capital’s cholera hotspots.

The works, being carried out in partnership with Helcraw Water Pvt Ltd, have already commenced along Robert Mugabe Way, where old asbestos pipes are being replaced with modern PVC infrastructure.

Zimpapers Online visited the area and witnessed vendors and business operators who had erected temporary structures along the main pipeline complying with council directives to clear the way for the project.

Some residents and traders were seen dismantling tuckshops, car washes and other structures, while others actively assisted council teams by digging trenches in preparation for the installation of new pipes.

Ward 45 councillor Mr Jubilation C Shoko said the project was expected to bring lasting relief to residents who have endured years of water challenges.

“Helcraw Water Pvt Ltd, in partnership with the City of Harare, has commenced the upgrade of the water distribution network within our district,” he said.

“The works involve the replacement of the old asbestos water pipes with new PVC pipes, as well as replacing dysfunctional valves.

“We anticipate that this will solve much, if not all, of our water distribution challenges as a district. Most parts of the ward have gone for years without receiving consistent water supplies from the city.”

Ward 45 is among the areas hardest hit by recurring cholera outbreaks, largely attributed to erratic water supply and reliance on unsafe sources. The ongoing upgrade forms part of broader efforts to ensure regular and safe water delivery to vulnerable communities.

A resident, Mr Clemence Moyo, welcomed the development, saying it had come at a critical time.

“We have been struggling with water for a long time and sometimes we end up using unsafe sources. If this project is completed properly, it will really change our lives,” he said.

Another resident, Mr Tawanda Dube, said community members were prepared to support the initiative to ensure its success.

“As you can see, people are even helping with digging trenches. We just want reliable water in our homes, and we are ready to cooperate with the council,” he said.

The project forms part of a wider agreement involving the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the City of Harare, Helcraw Water Pvt Ltd and Laison Technologies, aimed at modernising the city’s water distribution system and improving service delivery.