By Staff Reporter
Masvingo City has achieved a stable water supply, thanks to the commissioning of the Mtirikwi hydro power plant, which has ensured a constant power supply to the Bushmead water works, according to Masvingo City Mayor.
The mayor, Alec Tabe, was speaking during a first-quarter briefing at council, crediting uninterrupted power at Bushmead Water Works for the improved service delivery.
“The water supply situation in the city has greatly improved following the commissioning of the Mutirikwi Hydro Power Plant. The Bushmead Water Works Plant has been having uninterrupted electricity supply therefore treatment and pumping of water to the reservoirs has been consistent.
“On average 23 megaliters per day is being supplied to the city and all properties are receiving water for an average of nine hours daily,” said Tabe.
Tabe reported that the city was now delivering an average of 23 megaliters of water daily, with households receiving water for up to nine hours each day.
In addition to improved supply, Tabe said the quality of the treated water continues to meet national and international safety standards.
“The quality of our treated water meets the minimum standards for drinking water set by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he said.
Despite the progress, the city is still battling significant losses of treated water due to non-functional water meters and aging infrastructure — a challenge that cuts into revenue and efficiency.
To tackle the issue, Tabe said council resolved to ring-fence part of its water and sanitation revenue for critical upgrades.
“Council has resolved to ring fence part of the water and sanitation revenue and utilize it for replacement of non-functional meters, installation of pressure valves as well as replacement of old pipes and valves in the pumping mains and reticulation,” said Tabe.
