Residents fear a cholera outbreak

Up to 6,000 people have not had access to clean water for days since the council disconnected supplies to the populous high density suburb in March. They said they had been forced to use water from unprotected sources like nearby streams and wells.

Children in the area are still going to Kuwadzana 8 Primary School, which has a limited supply of water. Officials at the council said they hoped to force residents who had not paid their water bills to clear their debts.

But residents the rates are exorbitant and unjustified.

The Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) said it was shocked that the City of Harare had not considered the health impact of its actions.

“Kuwadzana Extension has no boreholes and there is no clinic. Already reports abound that several residents have been complaining of stomach aches as a result of drinking unsafe water from the nearby tributary that separates Kuwadzana Extension and the other parts of Kuwadzana,” said the Trust in a statement.

Residents told The Zimbabwean they have been unable to get help from their local councillor Resias Masunda during their time of crisis.

“It is hoped that he wakes up and begins to work with the people who elected him,” said Richard Chasara, who lives in the area.

The HRT urged the city to reconnect the water supply.

“Cutting water supplies for the residents of Kuwadzana Extension clearly shows a lack of concern for the wellbeing of the residents who are finance of the City of Harare. Access to water is a basic human right,” said HRT.

“The council should reduce by 50 per cent the debt of those residents who have not paid any money since February 2009 when the multi-currency system was introduced and all debt must be cancelled to those residents who have consistently attempted to pay their monthly bills,” said HRT.