…Cholera outbreak fears grip Hobhouse, Mawonde
Branton Matondo
Residents from Mutare low and medium density suburbs have expressed concern over prolonged water rationing with some places going for weeks without the precious liquid amid fears of exposure to water borne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Residents from Hobhouse low density suburb have gone for more than a fortnight while other areas within the suburb have gone for a month with dry taps.
Dangamvura area 7 has now assumed the name ‘The Desert Area 7’ where residents have become accustomed to bucket water after going for a month only for water to be availed briefly on November 27.
Mawonde residential area is equally in a crisis as residents are experiencing acute water shortages.
A resident from Hobhouse said it was now two months of struggling to access water as household taps have gone dry.
“For the past two months we continued to receive water charges/tariffs yet our taps are dry.
We fail to understand where the charges are coming from when there is no water to talk of. Water is a basic right; it’s there in the constitution. Friction between council and residents comes from such situations where city fathers do not own up to what is being paid for by residents,” said the resident.
As reports of cholera cases around the country made rounds recently, residents from Mawonde also worry the same unfortunate feat may befall them.
A resident from Mawonde who identified herself as Mary expressed fear over the situation.
“Our toilets are disgusting. Cholera is around the corner. It’s a worrisome situation. We call upon council to prioritize restoration of clean water supply before the matter gets out of hand,” said Mary.
Mutare City council through its communication desk addressed residents on November 25, 2022 of technical challenges at Odzani and Christmas Pass water works.
Council has also moved around residential areas with a bowser initiative to supply water to residents.
On November 27 however, the truck had to vacate the delivery point following a stampede from thirsty residents who had gone for more than a fortnight without water.
A resident from Hobhouse spoke of how tough the situation had become as there was a stampede with families squeezing and shoving for the precious liquid.
“When the bowser came to the delivery point, there were many people in the queue. The truck had to go back because of the pushing and shoving making it difficult for people to access the water,” said the resident.
Mutare City Council Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka said he will consult the finance department on issues to do with water charges.
Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MRRA) Programmes Director David Mutambirwa urged council to employ everlasting solutions to the challenges than engaging in short term ones.
“City of Mutare must desist from temporary repairs to the water bursts; this will not take the city anywhere, but should consider an integrated water management if they are to end the perennial, persistent and sporadic water bursts,” said Mutambirwa.
He added that there is need to prioritize total change of water infrastructure to evade these problems citing that city fathers should not rely on bowsers and boreholes for permanent water supply.
“The overhaul of the water infrastructure will bring a sustainable water supply to the city. The obsolete water pipes should be removed and replaced with durable once. Water bowsers and boreholes should be put in place for cases of emergency,” he added.
Issues surrounding water shortages and challenges dominated discussions during budget consultation meetings with residents across 19 wards of Mutare.
