In light of the ongoing water crisis in Harare and Bulawayo, experts and lawmakers are urging the Zimbabwean government to declare the situation a national disaster. This call comes in the wake of a recent cholera outbreak that claimed over 700 lives and infected thousands since its onset in early 2023. Despite the official declaration of the outbreak’s end in July, the conditions that facilitated the disease remain unresolved, heightening fears of a resurgence.
On Tuesday, the water crisis affecting Bulawayo and Harare was prominently discussed in Parliament. Zanu PF Proportional Representation lawmaker Rita Ndlovu highlighted the severe water shortages and the risk of another cholera outbreak if urgent action is not taken. Ndlovu emphasized that a state of disaster declaration would attract much-needed private and international assistance for funding and resources.
In Bulawayo, the situation is dire with dwindling water levels in the city’s supply dams. Mzingwane Dam has already been decommissioned, and Upper Ncema is expected to be switched off soon due to low water levels. Similarly, Harare is grappling with severe water shortages exacerbated by foreign currency shortages that hinder the purchase of essential water treatment chemicals. Residents of Harare frequently face extended periods without running water, compounding the crisis.
Experts and community leaders are urging the government to prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. Precious Shumba, coordinator of the Harare Residents Trust, called for significant investments in upgrading the city’s sewage and water pipe infrastructure to ensure that treated water effectively reaches households.
Reuben Akili, chairperson of the Combined Harare Residents Association, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for immediate government action to ensure the provision of clean water. Johannes Marisa, president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe, warned that the scarcity of water poses a serious threat to public health, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks.
Community Working Group on Health director Itai Rusike also highlighted the resurgence of preventable diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, attributing these issues to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. Furthermore, Rusike noted social issues, such as women facing abuse while seeking water, exacerbating the crisis’s impact on vulnerable populations.
Zimbabwe’s water crisis is not new. The cholera outbreak of 2008, which was one of the most devastating in Africa, resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths and 100,000 infections. The ongoing challenges in Harare and Bulawayo are attributed to outdated infrastructure, a rapidly growing population, severe droughts, and systemic governance issues.
In Harare, the water infrastructure, established in the 1950s, was designed for a population of around 300,000, whereas the metropolitan area now houses approximately 4.5 million people. The Gwayi-Shangani Dam project, intended to provide a long-term solution for Bulawayo by channeling water from the Zambezi River, has faced numerous delays. Initially proposed in 1912 and promised to be completed before the 2023 elections, the project has yet to be finished, with completion now anticipated by December this year.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has argued against declaring a state of disaster, attributing the crisis partly to mismanagement by local authorities. Ziyambi criticized Harare and Bulawayo for failing to manage their water systems effectively, citing issues such as dysfunctional billing systems and inadequate local governance.
As the water crisis deepens and the risk of disease resurgence grows, the call for a national disaster declaration underscores the urgency of addressing the fundamental issues driving the crisis. Without decisive intervention and investment, Zimbabwe faces the prospect of continued suffering and public health emergencies.
In other news – Passengers cheat death after cross-border bus catches fire
In a harrowing incident earlier today, a Timboon Coaches bus, traveling from South Africa to Zimbabwe, was completely consumed by flames near Masvingo. This event marks the third cross-border bus accident in less than two weeks, heightening concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance.
The fire, which engulfed the bus in its entirety, was captured in dramatic photographs showing thick, black smoke billowing into the sky. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, working to manage the situation and ensure the safety of any passengers who might have been onboard. Read More
