Chinhoyi runs dry

Chinhoyi (Telegraph-New Ziana) – Some suburbs of Chinhoyi went for over a week recently without tap water after the town’s three water pumps broke down, putting residents at risk of contracting water borne diseases as they resorted to rivers, pits and wells for the precious liquid.

Though two of the water pumps were quickly repaired, water shortages still persist in some areas.

The water shortages were mainly acute in Mpata, Chitambo section, White city, Ruvimbo, Brundish, Ruvimbo, Cherima suburbs, and some parts of Cold Stream. These did not get a single drop of water during the period.

Compounding the water challenges is that most high density areas, unlike elsewhere, do not have boreholes and council could not provide water using trucks as is often done in such circumstances.

People moved up and down with empty buckets in the suburbs trying to secure water for domestic use, and many ended up resorting to unprotected sources for supplies.

Mrs Mabuto from Chitambo said people were now flocking to Hunyani river to do their laundry, bath and even fetch water for home use.

Brighton Shoko from Brundish said what was surprising was that inspite of the water cuts, bills charged by the council for the commodity kept on rising.

“For a while now we haven’t had tap water but the bills are going up,” he said.

Gunhill resident Takudzwa Mpofu suggested government intervenes through availing devolution funds for council to repair water pumping and reticulation equipment.

This, he said, would help prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases in Chinhoyi.
Telegraph-New Ziana