Beatrice Imbayago
BINDURA — In response to the government’s push for public-private partnerships to drive development, Bindura has taken a significant step forward with the recent commissioning of the US$3 million Masembura water pipeline.
This milestone promises to put an end to the persistent water shortages that have long affected Bindura residents.
The 22-kilometre pipeline project was made possible through a collaboration between Mutapa Gold Resources, owner of Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, and the Bindura Municipality.
The new pipeline connecting Masembura to Bindura will supply both Freda Rebecca Gold Mine and the municipality with a much-needed boost to their water resources, alleviating the shortages that have impacted mining operations and the wider community.
The project was implemented by ZINWA Enterprises (Private) Limited and incorporates a glass-reinforced plastic pipeline designed to have a service life of at least 50 years.
Bindura Municipality Town Clerk Evelyn Madziire said the Masembura water pipeline will significantly improve water access for residents, addressing a longstanding challenge for the town.
“This project is a real game-changer for the Bindura community. It reflects our determination as a municipality to confront critical water supply challenges. More importantly, it demonstrates the value of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which the Second Republic continuously encourages local authorities to pursue for better service delivery,” she said.
Madziire added that the pipeline will go a long way toward resolving Bindura’s water challenges.
“This transformative initiative will reshape our water supply landscape, accelerating progress toward achieving water and sanitation goals under the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2 and Vision 2030,” she added.
She reiterated that the increased water availability will help reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases that have previously plagued the area.
“On the health front, the municipality expects a marked reduction in the burden of waterborne diseases. The benefits of improved potable water supply are numerous, and overall, the quality of life for our residents will greatly improve,” she noted.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central Province, Christopher Magomo, applauded the public-private partnerships in the province, noting their crucial role in advancing the development agenda.
“Its completion demonstrates what is possible when government, local authorities, and the private sector collaborate to overcome challenges facing our communities. This partnership exemplifies the collective responsibility needed to accelerate development and improve our people’s quality of life,” he said.
The Minister also urged the council to expand the water treatment plant to ensure all neighbourhoods have adequate water supply.
“The existing water treatment plant was designed for a much smaller population. As Bindura grows, there is an urgent need to upgrade the plant and extend the distribution network to ensure every residential area has reliable water access,” he noted.
Minister Magomo condemned the vandalism and theft of infrastructure, warning that such actions hinder development in the area.
“I urge the municipality to ensure the infrastructure is properly operated and regularly maintained. I also call on residents and stakeholders to protect it from vandalism, theft, and illegal connections. Safeguarding this infrastructure means safeguarding Bindura’s water supply and future,” he said.
Mutapa Gold Resources, which partnered with Bindura Municipality, reaffirmed its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“For the board, this project shows that responsible investment is not a peripheral obligation. It is central to our license to operate, our reputation as a business, and our long-term sustainability,” said Mutapa Resources Board Chairman Charles Chikaura.
“I want to make this clear: Mutapa Gold Resources will continue to support initiatives that link mining performance with national development outcomes. We will pursue profitability, but never at the expense of community well-being,” he added.
Bindura will now source water from both the Mazowe River and Masembura Dam, which is expected to reduce water treatment costs thanks to the availability of raw water from the dam.
