Gwanda residents have gone for almost a week without water after the main water pipeline burst, forcing many to fetch water from boreholes and other unprotected water sources.
What started as a mere water pipe burst that could be fixed in less than three hours so as to provide the precious liquid to residents turned into a dry spell of running water for the entire Gwanda town for close to a week. This is because when the pipe had been fixed there was no electricity to help with the pumping of water. Pumping of water requires a non-disturbance of electricity supply of more than 12 hours, however, Gwanda has been having a supply of electricity of 4 hours per day.
“Water continues to be a huge problem in our town. Pipe leaks are always the main problem for this but prolonged electricity challenges are also a major cause for these water cuts. Our duty bearers are failing to come up with a strategy to curb these challenges”, said Ayanda Sibanda.
Another resident, Samantha Vela said these water pipes need to be replaced since many of them have lost their durability.
“Our pipes are now very old such that they cannot withstand the pressure when pumping is taking place. We need an overhaul of the whole system. Failure to that we shall continue to cry over water shortages week in and week out”, she said.
In July, last year, the Municipality of Gwanda took over the water treatment plant from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) raising prospects for improved water service delivery among residents. However, residents claim that they are yet to experience the benefits of the handover-takeover process.
Since the takeover of the water treatment plant, the local authority has asked for patience from residents, noting that there is a lot that needs to be done to ensure improved water service delivery. In one of the Community Youth Development Trust engagement platforms, the Town Engineer made a plea to stakeholders for the refurbishment of the treatment plant as it is in shambles. He said that only one pump out of three is working making it quite impossible for the local authority to provide water continuously. Again, the recurring water pipe burst has become a burden to council workers who have to work overtime in order to see to it that residents get the precious liquid.
Nompilo Nyoni said she appreciates the efforts by the local authority plumbers, who were seen busy at work after hours as they fixed the pipe. She also highlighted that the relationship between the Municipality of Gwanda policy makers, duty bearers, workers and the residents of Gwanda has improved as a result of many engagement, capacity building and consultative forums brought about by CYDT to the residents.
Nyoni added that, when there is a water crisis, the local authority always issues a statement, apologising for the disruption in water supplies and updating on what is being done to restore normal supplies.
Residents in different forums and platforms have called upon the Municipality of Gwanda to consider having an alternative electricity provider. They highlighted that many institutions and authorities now rely on either generators or the solar system for electricity, hence the Municipality of Gwanda should also go the same way.
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