Most of the residents are Midlands State University students who could not find accommodation in the halls of residence at the varsity. Locals have resorted to digging small water wells on the peripheries of the suburb. This has put the area at risk of another cholera outbreak.
"We have not received any explanation from the council concerning the water problem," Qubekani Hlabangani, a student at MSU, told The Zimbabwean.
"We have tried to plead with the council to bring us water or ask the donor community to assist us, but it has not helped," another elderly resident said.
Others said the problem had become so bad that many residents were recycling water used in the preparation of food.
"Some vendors are saying they cannot lose business due to the water crisis so they are using dirty water to wash fruit for sale," Alphas Nyika a 32-year-old resident said.
Johnes Nathambwe, the Gweru council Engineer, referred all questions to the Mayor, Teddious Chimombe. When contacted for comment, Chimombe said a motor fault at Range Booster, the biggest water plant in Gweru, was to blame.
"Motor number 2 at Range Booster has been burnt. The situation is bad, but we are looking into it. Residents should not panic," he said.
It’s not the first time that Gweru residents have experienced a crippling water problem this year. Pumping capacity in the city is at present pegged at 40% due to aged pumps at Range Booster.
Post published in: News