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Yeukai Karengezeka in Chinhoyi
Chitungwiza Municipality is set to host a water indaba to address its perennial water challenges as the situation has become
dire, an official has said.
The dormitory town has been grappling with a serious water crisis since the decommissioning of the Prince Edward Water
Plant in August due to the drying up of Harava and Seke Dams.
Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma revealed this yesterday while delivering her opening remarks at the ongoing strategic
planning workshop being held in Chinhoyi.
“In light of these circumstances, we must host a water indaba soon after this workshop to find a short-term solution to this
problem as we also await the Government’s intervention,” she said.
She said it was her desire for Chitungwiza to become water-sufficient and pleaded with the Government to consider giving
them responsibility over Prince Edward.
Mayor Mangoma said they were pinning hopes on the completion of Kunzvi Dam. She also said Muchekeranwa Dam is a
pipeline project that can supply at least 90 mega litres, exceeding the current demand of 75 mega litres.
Chitungwiza and Manyame Rural Residents Association (CAMERA) director Mr Marvelous Khumalo said engaging different
key stakeholders on the water crisis will help the local authority come up with lasting solutions.
“This year we have had difficulties in terms of water provision. This adds to hygiene and sanitisation challenges within our
communities,” he said.
On average, Chitungwiza residents are now buying 10 buckets of water (200 litres) for a dollar.
Mr Khumalo said the water crisis has largely affected women and youth who usually spend hours queuing to get the precious
liquid.
Speaking on behalf of the Chitungwiza Business Community Trust, Mr Innocent Chikuvanyanga said the non-availability of
water is hampering the production of goods and services.
Chitungwiza Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson, Mr Arthur Taderera told The Herald that out of desperation
and as a short-term measure, residents are combining resources to drill boreholes in their respective areas.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mangoma also implored the ratepayers and business people to pay for the services they are receiving from
the municipality.
As of August 31, the local authority is owed ZiG159 million.
Online Reporter