Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
RESIDENTS of Mhangura have applauded the Zimbabwe National Water Authority for restoring water and sewer services in the former mining town, saying the ongoing rehabilitation programme has brought relief to households that had endured years of erratic supplies and malfunctioning sewer infrastructure.
The comprehensive upgrade, which targets both water supply and wastewater management systems, has already recorded notable milestones, marking a significant turnaround in service delivery.
The ongoing rehabilitation works are expected to stabilise water supply further, improve sanitation and position Mhangura on a path towards sustainable service delivery.
In an interview, ZINWA’s head of corporate communications and marketing, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said the authority was making steady progress in its quest to improve service delivery and client satisfaction in Mhangura.
“The Zimbabwe National Water Authority continues to make significant progress in its quest to improve service delivery and client satisfaction in Mhangura,” she said.
“To date, remarkable progress has been recorded in the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrading of water and sewer infrastructure.”
Mrs Munyonga said 4km of the sewer reticulation network had been rehabilitated, while the once defunct Damba high-density suburb sewer ponds have been restored to full functionality.
“The authority has rehabilitated 4km of the sewer reticulation, while the Damba sewer ponds, which were non-functional, have been successfully rehabilitated and restored to full functionality, enhancing wastewater treatment and management capabilities,” she said.
On water supply, Mrs Munyonga said 1,5km of water reticulation pipes had been rehabilitated.
The raw water pumping capacity has also been upgraded from 50 cubic metres to 70 cubic metres per hour, a development expected to stabilise supply to households and institutions.
In addition, ZINWA has installed 625 household water meters as part of measures to improve revenue collection, enhance accountability and promote efficient water use.
“ZINWA is also working on the elimination and resolution of billing-related customer queries and has installed 625 household water meters in Mhangura, in a move that will improve revenue management and enhance water use efficiency by users,” said Mrs Munyonga.
Residents welcomed the improvements, saying the town board was slowly regaining its dignity.
Ms Patience Muswewemombe said the rehabilitation works had eased the burden on families who previously struggled with burst sewer pipes and unreliable water supplies.
“We used to go for days without water, and sewer blockages were a common sight in our streets. But now, there is a visible improvement. We are grateful to ZINWA for responding to our concerns and bringing sanity back to our community,” she said.
Mr Tendai Chinyonga echoed similar sentiments, noting that the upgrading of pumping capacity had improved water pressure in some suburbs.
“The increase in pumping capacity has made a difference. Water now reaches areas that previously experienced low pressure. We hope the works will continue until every household benefits fully,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Clever Kagoti, said the installation of water meters would promote fairness and accountability.
“With the new meters, people will pay for what they use. This encourages responsible water usage and ensures that the system is sustainable. We commend ZINWA for this development,” he said.
The rehabilitation programme has also drawn praise from the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations of Residents Trust, which described the intervention as a positive step towards restoring essential services in the town.
