Staff Reporter
Government has stepped up its efforts to tackle the ongoing water crisis affecting several urban centres across the country, rolling out a comprehensive set of measures aimed at restoring access to potable water for millions of citizens.
With local authorities overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, particularly in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Chitungwiza, the Government has pledged immediate and long-term support to ensure that basic water services are restored and maintained.
The water shortages, exacerbated by the on-going El Niño-induced drought, have left many urban councils struggling to provide clean water. In recent weeks, several cities have formally appealed for Government intervention.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Chief Director, Shingirayi Mushamba, outlined a raft of measures the Government is undertaking to address the crisis, both in the short and long term.
“Local authorities, both urban and rural, are facing a myriad of challenges, with water supply being a critical concern. The Government is fully aware of these issues and is crafting robust responses to support respective local authorities in addressing them on a case-by-case basis,” said Mushamba.
He added that efforts were underway to ensure adequate energy supplies for the continuous pumping and treatment of water at key facilities across the country.
According to Mushamba, Government’s immediate interventions include financing water and sanitation projects through the devolution fund, direct financial support for the procurement of essential equipment, such as high-lift pumps, and assistance with the purchase of water treatment chemicals.
In addition, boreholes are being drilled in the worst-affected areas to supplement municipal water supplies, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo, where residents have faced long periods of water shedding.
“In respect of potable piped water, a raft of measures has been undertaken by the Government to alleviate the shortages. These include prioritizing water and sanitation projects under the devolution funding mechanism, repairing and maintaining equipment, and facilitating partnerships to strengthen the water supply value chain,” Mushamba explained.
For the long term, the Government is investing heavily in water infrastructure, including dam construction and harnessing water resources to create sustainable “lake and dam economies.”
In recent weeks, several urban councils have publicly expressed their appreciation for Government’s intervention.
Harare, which has faced persistent water challenges for years, has also benefited from Government’s recent efforts.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged that the water crisis is beyond the city council’s capacity, but he praised the complementary role the Government has played.
“Government has been helping us significantly. Recently, we received US$2.4 million for water treatment chemicals, and that, combined with our own efforts, is making a real difference. Water is an ecosystem, and for us to supply it effectively, we need proper storage at dams like Manyame and Muchekeranwa, which the Government is addressing,” said Mafumhe.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has consistently reiterated his administration’s commitment to stepping in where local authorities would have been unable to meet the needs of their residents, particularly in the provision of critical services like water and sanitation.
