In a pressing move to address the ongoing water crisis in Zimbabwe, residents’ associations have urged the government to officially declare the situation a national disaster. The Zimbabwe Union of Residents and Ratepayers Association (ZURRA) held a press conference on Wednesday to voice their concerns, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis that is affecting communities nationwide.
Spokesperson Marvelous Khumalo articulated the gravity of the water situation, stating, “The water crisis is not confined to the Harare Metropolitan Province; it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention.” Khumalo called upon the President of Zimbabwe to formally recognize the crisis as a national disaster, asserting that such a declaration would facilitate resource mobilization from both local and international stakeholders.
Khumalo attributed the crisis to several critical factors, including the El Niño-induced drought, a persistent lack of investment in water infrastructure, and significant degradation of natural systems essential for water provision. He underscored the need for immediate action to effectively tackle these challenges and ensure sustainable water access for all residents.
The repercussions of the water crisis are severe, with reports indicating a rise in social tensions and conflicts over access to water. Precious Shumba, the spokesperson for the Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum (HAMREF), highlighted the troubling emergence of gender-based violence and conflict at public boreholes and water points. “This water supply gap has seen the emergence of conflicts and cases of gender-based violence at public boreholes,” Shumba noted. He explained that some water point user committees have politicized access to boreholes, with committee chairpersons reportedly demanding monthly fees ranging from US$4 to US$7 per household as a prerequisite for accessing water.
This situation has not only fueled tensions among residents but has also made it increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations to secure safe drinking water. As a result, some residents from high-density suburbs are now resorting to unsafe sources, including rivers, shallow wells, and springs, further jeopardizing public health.
In addition to the immediate impacts on residents, the associations expressed alarm over the continuous destruction of wetlands and the unregulated over-abstraction of groundwater, particularly among commercial users. Such activities have severely impacted the water table, leading to the drying up of domestic boreholes. This degradation of natural resources is contributing to the crisis, making it essential for authorities and communities to intensify enforcement of existing laws against wetlands destruction.
Khumalo and Shumba emphasized that the water crisis is not just a result of climate factors but also systemic neglect of vital water infrastructure. The residents’ associations advocate for a coordinated approach that includes investments in sustainable water systems and the protection of natural water resources.
The ZURRA and HAMREF have called on the government to take decisive steps to mitigate the water crisis. They urge not only for the declaration of a national disaster but also for concrete policies and actions that address the underlying causes of the crisis. This includes investment in water infrastructure, sustainable management of water resources, and community engagement to ensure equitable access to water.
The pressing nature of the water crisis in Zimbabwe highlights the need for urgent government intervention and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents and advocates alike are demanding immediate action to safeguard access to this essential resource.
As the water crisis escalates across Zimbabwe, the call for a national disaster declaration underscores the urgency of the situation. Residents associations are advocating for immediate government action to address the crisis, restore water access, and protect vital natural resources. Without swift and comprehensive measures, the challenges posed by the water crisis will only deepen, affecting the health and well-being of communities throughout the nation.
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