Zvishavane runs dry

Zvishavane (The Times-New Ziana) – Zvishavane town is struggling to meet the demand for water due to pumping and treatment challenges, resulting in residents going for days without water.

Most residents, as a result, have resorted to unprotected wells and open streams for water.

Tinotenda Mafa of Mandava suburb said the situation was so dire that the town could be plunged into typhoid or cholera outbreaks if the situation is not addressed.

“We sometimes go for days without water and we are forced to resort to wells. If council does not act immediately, we will be hit by diseases such as cholera and typhoid,” he said.

A lady who only identified herself as Mai Chido said they were walking for long distances to fetch clean water for household use.

She appealed to the town council to start working on the Runde pump station so as to mitigate their suffering as well as avert disaster.

She called on government to intervene as it has done with Gweru and Harare where funds were availed to improve the situation.

The Zvishavane Town Council has plans to resuscitate Runde water pump station.

Zvishavane Mayor, Khulekani Ndlovu said that an agreement to use the pump station has been reached with its owners, Shabani Mashava Mines.

“We have reached an agreement with Shabani Mashava Mines that we use the pump station so as to ease the water challenges the town is facing,” he said.

“If the pump station is resuscitated, it’s a development expected to add more than 12 mega litres in the system.”

The mayor said council and partners in the project have already engaged consultants to draw plans for the work.

Zvishavane has seen rapid growth in the past years as the Midlands State University’s department of Arts moved to the asbestos town.

The success of mining companies Mimosa and Murowa has also resulted in the expansion of the town.
The Times-New Ziana