adminMunyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
A HEALTH hazard is looming at Torwood compound in Redcliff as the area has gone for two weeks without water, further putting strain on mainly Ziscosteel workers who are also battling financial challenges due to the collapse of their company. The dire situation is being worsened by overflowing public toilets that have not been renovated. Recently Redcliff residents went to the town house to demonstrate against maladministration and water problems. Residents who were led by the Redcliff Residents and Ratepayers Association (RRRA) thronged the Town House demanding to petition the council officials against corruption and the water crisis.
The move to demonstrate was motioned when residents had gone for almost two weeks without water after the Kwekwe City Council disconnected water supplies to the town over a $9-million debt. The water crisis is posing a health hazard to residents in high-density suburbs in the town where public toilets are used. Redcliff Mayor Councillor Fred Kapuya said residents have not been paying their water bills hence the accumulation of the huge debt.
“We can only get water connected again if we settle our huge debt to the Kwekwe City Council. Our main problem are residents who are not paying their water bills and have had long standing arrears since last year,” he said.
Clr Kapuya said they were negotiating with Kwekwe Council so that it avails water on certain days per week since they were failing to pay for the services. Residents have urged the Government to intervene and resolve the town’s water problems.
“How could they settle the water bill (to Kwekwe) after they took the money and bought themselves big cars and they are paying themselves huge salaries?” said Mr Collen Munyoro of Torwood.
“The water situation is now exposing us to the risk of contracting diseases.”
Bongani Ndlovu