Online Reporter
Bokang Tlou
THERE’S panic among shady bulk water dealers as the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) tightens the taps on unlicensed operations across the country.
In a full-scale crackdown that has rocked urban centres, ZINWA has launched a no-nonsense blitz targeting rogue water suppliers who’ve been delivering water without approval or regard for public health.
The water watchdog isn’t playing games. It says illegal abstraction of raw water from residential areas poses serious health risks and violates national regulations.
ZINWA spokesperson Mrs Marjorie Munyonga came out guns blazing in a statement issued on Sunday, warning that offenders will face the full wrath of the law.
“All bulk water dealers must be registered with ZINWA. It is illegal to abstract raw water from residential areas without specific authority,” she said.
She reminded water dealers that they are bound by Statutory Instrument 90 of 2013, which regulates the licensing and operations of bulk water businesses, including borehole operators and delivery truckers.
And it’s not just paperwork ZINWA is checking. The authority is randomly collecting water samples from trucks and bulk storage tanks to test for compliance with national water quality standards.
As part of the operation, borehole owners and water suppliers are being ordered to keep detailed records of their water use and transactions.
“ZINWA is working closely with police and other enforcement arms. Bulk water dealers must cooperate or risk prosecution,” added Mrs Munyonga.
The public is being urged to blow the whistle on suspected illegal water activities via ZINWA’s WhatsApp number 0774 674 333.
As the heat rises in the dry season, unlicensed water dealers are learning the hard way that this hustle is no longer a free-flowing gig. ZINWA wants control and it’s bringing the pressure, one rogue water truck at a time.
