The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) joins the nation and
the rest of the world in observing the World Water Day (March 22), a
day set aside to focus attention on the importance and availability of
clean water and advocating for effective management of water resources.
The day comes at a time when Harare (and Zimbabwe as a whole) is facing
acute water shortages which have sparked the worst cholera outbreak
ever that has claimed more than 4000 lives countrywide. ZINWA's
ineffective water management in Harare culminated in acute shortages of
clean water which resulted in the Cholera outbreak in Harare (Budiriro
and Glen View being the most affected) and other cities and
subsequently plunged the whole country into one of the largest public
health crisis of our time. The 2009 World Water Day coincides with the
undesirable water crisis persisting in the city of Harare as delay and
uncertainty mars the smooth transfer of water from Zinwa to the City
Council.
While the general causes of the world water crisis include climate and
geography, lack of proper water systems and infrastructure, high levels
of arsenic and fluoride in drinking water; the water crisis in Harare
is arguably an issue of dire mismanagement. The city's water supply
system is marred with burst water pipes as a result of the obsolete
water equipment that is poorly maintained. The pumping stations are
reportedly in a dilapidated state, water purification chemicals are in
short supply and this is against the background that Harare water is
heavily polluted. Residents in parts of Mabvuku-Tafara, Masasa Park,
Mandara, and Glen Lorne last received water more than a year ago and
continue to live without access to clean water. The majority of
residents in these and other areas continue to fetch water from
unprotected sources.
With this year's theme being shared water- shared opportunities, the
new government has the opportunity to strike partnerships with
Countries like Zambia (which shares the Kariba Basin with Zimbabwe) so
as to work together in creating effective and sustainable water
management systems. This will, in the long run, enhance the
accessibility of clean water to residents.
CHRA believes that the cholera pandemic can only be eradicated if the
water problems obtaining in the country are solved. The Association
appreciates and commends the great work that has been done by various
NGOs in trying to alleviate the water shortages in Harare. However, the
permanent solution to this water problem is a complete overhaul of the
obsolete water infrastructure and the setting up of proper and
effective water management systems so as to guard against incidences of
corruption and mismanagement. The Association will continue to advocate
for quality, effective and affordable municipal (and other) services on
a professional and non-partisan basis.
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
Post published in: Politics