Chitungwiza residents said that due to the unavailability of water, it was impossible to maintain vegetable gardens, which used to provide them with fresh produce.
Most areas in the high-density suburb have suffered water cuts with some areas receiving water as little as once a week. Trynos Makarichi (39), a resident from Zengeza 2 in Chitungwiza, said he had little choice but to abandon his projects and buy vegetables from vendors in the area.
“Water is very scarce here and there is no way you can use 200l of water in your garden. We have been forced to buy produce from the markets. It is not fresh and is an unhealthy option,” he said.
Another resident from Seke in Chitungwiza, Precious Matongo (33), said it was impossible to get enough water to run a household and maintain a garden.
“We often do not have water to drink, or wash our clothes so we cannot consider setting up a garden. We buy vegetables that come from the Seke communal lands,” she said.
A vendor from Mbare high-density suburb, Melody Makuvatsine (29), said business was thriving. “There are very few people who still have gardens at their homes here and this has created an increased demand. The vegetables that we sell are mostly brought from such areas as Domboshava and Mutoko.”
Post published in: Agriculture