by Rudo Saungweme
There is assurance from the Government that the chances of Cholera outbreak and waterborne disease during this rainy season are slim considering that the Government poured funds to local authorities towards the rehabilitation of sewerage and water infrastructure in all local authorities.
Government secured funding commitments worth $940 million to overhaul Harare’s water and sewer system, which is in a state of disrepair. It is alleged that the situation was exacerbated by the ineptitude of the MDC Councillors who have been leading Urban Councils since 2000.
However, citizens have raised concern over the security of the funds given to the MDC-led urban councils which have a record of embezzling funds of that nature. The MDC Councillors are known for corruption since 2000.
“Our Government has channelled out funds towards sewer and water infrastructure in all local authorities, but we do not have confidence in MDC Councillors. MDC Councillors has a record of diverting funds towards their personal use and nothing has changed because the same crop is still in charge.
“The same thieves we had since 2000 are the ones running urban Councils. If by any chance we are to experience water borne diseases such as Cholera, we will put the blame on MDC. On behalf of Zimbabwean citizens, I urge MDC Councillors to channel water reticulation funds to where they are supposed to go,” said a source from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
Part of the funding according from the Ministry of Local Government is supposed to cover technical assistance. It will also be channelled towards purification works, rehabilitation of sewer plants and waste water reticulation.
Secretary for Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Mr George Magosvongwe earlier in September revealed that, “US$600 million of the funding will go towards construction of Kunzvi Dam, treatment works, conveyance system and storage reservoirs in Harare.
“US$180 million is for rehabilitation and upgrading of portions of water distribution network, among other works which include replacement of a 54km transmission network (primary mains), and replacement of 208km of distribution mains (secondary and tertiary mains),” said Mr Magosvongwe.
“Rehabilitation of two distribution pumping stations and rehabilitation and installation of security facilities at 26 reservoir sites will also be covered on the US$180 million,” he said.
The remaining $160 million will be used to spruce up the main pumping lines from Warren Hills Control Station to all reservoirs.
