Melinda Kusemachibi
A burst water supply pipe has resulted in a crippling water shortage hitting hard on Mashava residents, sparking fears of likely disease outbreaks.
Residents have reportedly gone for a week without running water in all suburbs forcing residents to rely on unsafe sources thereby risking contracting water-borne diseases.
Ward 33 Councilor Tawanda Dube confirmed the water shortages saying Mashava residents have gone for a week now without running water.
“So far there is no solution in place to address the challenge as we do not have equipments. We had a meeting with the local authority on how best we can articulate the crisis,” noted Dube.
He also said most areas in Mashava have been affected by these water shortages.
“Temeraire Drive, Temeraire, Eastvale in ward 5 and King mine, Weston lee in ward 33, schools and hospitals are affected by water shortages which have affected learning activities in most schools,” said Dube.
Residents who spoke to TellZim News said water challenges have affected the area and they are in fear of water borne diseases.
“Water is life and we now fear water borne diseases in our communities. The local authority have to do something about this,” said resident who refused to be named.
Long queues have been the order of the day at the few boreholes drilled by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) though they were however condemned as unsafe for human usage.
Ward 5 Masvingo (RDC) Councilor Aleta Makomeke indicated that supply of water to these areas is catered for by the mine.
“I am sure the mine management especially the community service department are answerable to all water and sanitation issues for Temeraire and Eastvale suburbs can reflect on challenges they are facing to the water supply effect,” said Makomeke.
Makomeke also indicated that water shortage is not a new thing in Mashava.
“Water shortage in the entire Mashava area is not a new problem, intervention strategies have been put in place and it is still work in progress. This is the reason why government through the District Devolution Funds (DDF) supplied quite a number of water back up facilities in form of boreholes.
“In almost all ward 5 suburbs with the exception of Gaths Mine low and high density suburbs, other areas are under Great Zimbabwe University which is responsible for its tenants to access water,” said Makomeke.
Makomeke also added that boreholes were drilled in schools as back up facilities.
“Boreholes were sunk in schools as back up facilities for the institutions and communities. The other reason for installing these boreholes at schools was mainly for security reasons but the other wish is for all people from Temeraire and Eastvale communities to be free to get water from these water points,” added Makomeke.
Perennial water pipe bursts have been a major challenge in Masvingo province.