Lower Gweru school hit by water crisis

GWERU – Acute water shortages have hit Mudubiwa Secondary School in Ward 7 Vungu Rural
District Council in Lower Gweru after its only borehole ran dry.
The school, local councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda said is operating with no nearby water source.
Teachers and learners have resorted to drinking unsafe water posing a health hazard to the school.
“Mudubiwa School has about 300 students and a staff compliment of 18 teachers.

“Solving this crisis is my first priority after their borehole ran dry. It has proven laborious and time
consuming for teachers and pupils as they have to walk long distances in search of the precious
liquid,” he said.

Cllr Sibanda said the major problem is that teachers and pupils now compete with community
members making it difficult for them as they endure long queues and wake up before dawn.
Due to fear of possible outbreak of waterborne diseases, Cllr Sibanda wishes to quickly find solutions
to the problem and a meeting was held recently to find the way out.
“The school head suggested that we should have solutions towards this crisis as parents,” said one of
the parents after the meeting.

Zimbabwe is currently battling to contain a cholera outbreak that has hit some parts of the country.
As of last weekend, Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that a total of 135 people had lost
their lives and nearly 5 000 people had been infected countrywide.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora expressed deep concern over the situation and urged the
public to remain vigilant and practice good hygiene.

He said the government was working with various partners to provide adequate resources and
expertise to contain the outbreak.