Water challenges to worsen in Harare due to power cuts

Harare (New Ziana)- As the country grapples with incessant power cuts that are taking up to 14 hours in some areas, the City of Harare has warned residents to brace for serious water challenges.

In a statement, the local authority said parts of the city that were used to receiving water will be largely affected due to the shortage of electricity in the country.

“The City of Harare wishes to advise all the residents and other stakeholders that the incessant power cuts have affected the scheduled water rationing scheme.

“Some parts of the city which receive water through a series of pumping will be greatly affected. Any inconveniences caused are sincerely regretted,” it said.

The development comes a week after the local authority assured residents of improved water supply when it received four loads of imported granular and aluminium sulphate and promised that more was still enroute from Beira.

Zimbabwe was facing a dark festive season after the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) had directed the Zimbabwe Power Company to cease all power generation activities with immediate effect until at least January next year as it had exhausted its water allocation.

Kariba has always been running on 600Megwatts but will now be running between 250 to 300MW as the daily average.

Recently, Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda said there was a possibility of getting 150MW from Mozambique.

He also said negotiations with Zambia were still underway with the possibility of getting additional capacity.

Currently, Zimbabwe is importing 100MW of electricity from Zambia.

New Ziana