Harare , (New Ziana) – The dormitory town of Chitungwiza is seeking urgent government intervention to address a critical water shortage that has befallen the local authority.

The crisis has been occasioned by the decommissioning of the Prince Edward Water Treatment plant by the City of Harare at the end of August.

In a statement on Wednesday, Chitungwiza mayor Rosario Mangoma said the drastic measure by the City of Harare stems from the alarming depletion of the twin dams, Harava and Seke, which supply water to the treatment facility.

Since the plant’s closure, Mangoma said, Chitungwiza has been receiving a meager supply of between 1 and 3 megalitres of water from Morton Jaffray over weekends, which falls drastically short of the city’s daily demand of at least 75 megalitres and making it increasingly difficult to distribute the precious liquid to all residents.

“We are in the process of engaging the Government for a possible intervention,” said Mangoma.

“To mitigate the impact on residents, the council is also working to maintain community boreholes, providing alternative water sources.”

Mangoma urged residents to draw water only from safe and trusted sources to avoid health risks. He also appealed to well-wishers for assistance, emphasizing the need for community support during this challenging time.

“We regret over the hardships residents are currently facing due to the water shortages, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to restore adequate water supply in Chitungwiza,” he said.

New Ziana