malvernmugadzikwa
. . . Presidential boreholes provide relief
Emmanuel Kafe
IN a parched city where taps have run dry, Government’s investment in drilling boreholes under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme has provided respite and a glimmer of hope for residents like Mr Aaron Sithole.
The Kuwadzana resident, and many in the same community, use borehole water as an alternative source of clean water.
In recent weeks, the high-density suburb has emerged as one of Harare’s cholera hotspots.
“The situation is getting worse by the day. Our city fathers are letting us down despite paying all our bills,” said Mr Sithole.
“The boreholes, which were drilled by Government, provide relief for many residents here in Kuwadzana and Crowborough.
“Individual wells have since been closed, as they are suspected of being the source of the cholera infection.”
With Harare grappling with a relentless cholera epidemic, residents are imploring Government to drill more boreholes.
“We are requesting the authorities to assist by drilling more boreholes as the existing ones are now overwhelmed and are not meeting the increased demand,” said Ms Millicent Chandivhiya from Crowborough.
“This is the only source of clean water we are getting. Had it not been for the boreholes, it could have been another tragic story this side of the city.”
Last week, Harare City Council epidemiologist Dr Michael Vere said almost all wells and half the boreholes in Harare were contaminated with E. coli (Escherichia coli), contributing to the rising incidence of water-borne diseases.
While many residents have fallen victim to the devastating consequences of consuming contaminated water, Mr Sithole and other residents’ decision to rely on clean water from the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme has proven to be a life-saving choice.
As the cholera epidemic continues to wreak havoc on countless residents, his experience serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role played by accessible potable water sources.
His reliance on boreholes drilled by Government to address the water crisis not only underscores the dire state of the city’s water supplies, but also highlights the importance of proactive measures to combat water-borne diseases.
Harare — besieged by a long-standing water crisis and crumbling sanitation infrastructure — is currently in the throes of a cholera outbreak.
The highly contagious disease — transmitted primarily through the ingestion of contaminated water or food — has spread rapidly, claiming numerous lives and overwhelming healthcare facilities.
More than eight people have fallen victim to the deadly disease in Kuwadzana alone since the outbreak started earlier in February.
Out of hand
Harare City Council director of health services Dr Prosper Chonzi said the cholera situation in Harare is getting out of hand, as all suburbs in the city have recorded cases.
“We have over 50 confirmed cases in Kuwazana alone.
“The patients that present to our treatment centres are very sick, which means they were probably delayed in seeking treatment.
“This has resulted in over eight deaths that have occurred in the last few days in Kuwazana alone,” he said.
The municipality, he added, is working flat out with other stakeholders to contain the situation.
“We hope the situation does not deteriorate from there. We continue to manage all cholera patients for free at our units.
“All the clinics in the area are managing cholera patients for free. We are distributing aqua tablets and WaterGuard so that people keep their water clean before they drink it.”
He urged residents to treat any water with suspicion before consumption, adding that people should practise good personal hygiene.
A recent visit to the hotspot areas in Harare by Government last week identified lack of safe drinking water and low pumping capacity from the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant as contributory factors.
The group, which was led by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, also witnessed worrying conditions, including sewage flowing on the streets.
Illegal food vendors
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Dr Mombeshora said most wells in Harare were contaminated.
“From our visit in one of the suburbs, we managed to identify that there is not enough safe drinking water; there is low capacity at the Morton Jaffray pumping station.
“At some houses, you could see actual sewage flowing through their rooms.
“There is faecal matter, which is flowing on the streets, and this will go straight into Lake Chivero, posing a danger to Harare residents,” he said.
He also said they had started working with the Harare City Council to find lasting solutions to the unfolding cholera outbreak.
“When it comes to the short-term plans, we want to ban all illegal food vendors on the streets and provide safe water to all areas. We urge the City of Harare to respond immediately to issues to do with burst sewers.”
“Some families have gone for weeks, and some even months, without getting attention from the council,” added Dr Mombeshora.
Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba said Harare sits on top of its main water sources.
“This means that all the dirt generated in Harare, Epworth and Chitungwiza is washed down into the streams leading to Lake Chivero, which makes it forever polluted.
“Industrial waste, untreated sewer and other toxic substances being discharged into the tributaries and streams feeding Lake Chivero continue to flow unabated,” he said.
“Sustainable water systems should provide adequate water quantity and appropriate water quality for a given need without compromising the future ability to provide this capacity and quality.”
Mr Shumba said there is urgent need to replace broken down pipes before addressing issues to do with pumping and water treatment.
Online Reporter