Harare, Zimbabwe’s bustling capital city, faces a severe crisis in its water infrastructure, with over 70 percent of its vast network of more than 6,000 kilometres of water pipes reported to be in a state of disrepair. This alarming revelation was made by Davison Muchadenyika, a senior urban specialist with the World Bank Group, who highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation to safeguard the city’s water supply system.
The scale of the problem is staggering. Harare’s water distribution system, designed decades ago to serve a significantly smaller population, has not kept pace with rapid urban growth and rising demand. Muchadenyika emphasized that the aging infrastructure is now a major bottleneck, contributing to frequent water shortages, leaks, and contamination risks that jeopardize public health and economic activities.
According to Muchadenyika, the majority of Harare’s water pipes—largely made from outdated materials—have surpassed their expected lifespan. Many sections suffer from corrosion, fractures, and blockages, causing continuous bursts and water losses estimated to reach millions of litres daily. This not only wastes a precious resource but also increases operational costs for the city’s water utility, making efficient service delivery increasingly difficult.
“The current state of Harare’s water infrastructure is unsustainable,” said Muchadenyika. “Without immediate intervention to replace and upgrade these pipes, the city will face escalating water scarcity and service disruptions that could hinder social and economic development.”
For the city’s residents, these infrastructural challenges translate into intermittent water supply, often forcing families to rely on unsafe water sources such as boreholes or vendor-supplied water, which carry risks of waterborne diseases. Many communities report going for days without municipal water, especially during the dry season or peak demand periods.
Over 70% of Harare’s Water Infrastructure in Disrepair, Warns World Bank Specialist
Businesses in Harare are also feeling the impact. Industries dependent on steady water access face production delays, increased costs for alternative water supplies, and compliance challenges with health and safety regulations. Small and medium enterprises, which are critical for job creation and economic growth, are particularly vulnerable.
Muchadenyika pointed out that the water infrastructure crisis is compounded by governance and financial constraints. Harare’s water utility struggles with inadequate funding, limited technical capacity, and fragmented management structures. These issues have hindered regular maintenance and prevented large-scale upgrades.
“Investment in water infrastructure requires long-term planning and adequate financing,” he explained. “It also calls for transparent governance and institutional reforms to improve efficiency, accountability, and customer service.”
The World Bank has been working with Zimbabwean authorities to address these challenges through technical assistance, capacity building, and financing mechanisms aimed at supporting infrastructure rehabilitation and institutional strengthening.
Experts like Muchadenyika advocate for a multi-pronged approach to restore Harare’s water system. Key priorities include:
-
Comprehensive Pipe Replacement: Phased replacement of the most degraded pipes with modern, durable materials designed to withstand current urban demands.
-
Leak Detection and Repair Programs: Implementing systematic leak detection technologies to identify and promptly fix pipe bursts and losses.
-
Infrastructure Modernisation: Upgrading water treatment plants, pumping stations, and storage facilities to improve water quality and supply reliability.
-
Community Engagement: Involving residents and businesses in water conservation initiatives and reporting of leaks to support system management.
-
Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Enhancing the water utility’s technical, financial, and customer service capabilities through training and governance reforms.
Muchadenyika also highlighted the potential of new technologies in transforming water management. Smart metering, real-time monitoring, and data analytics can enable more efficient water distribution, reduce losses, and improve billing systems. Such innovations, combined with investment, can modernise Harare’s water network and contribute to sustainable urban growth.
The World Bank Group is committed to partnering with the Zimbabwean government and Harare City Council to develop and implement a long-term water sector strategy. This includes mobilising financial resources from international donors, leveraging private sector participation, and supporting policy reforms to build a resilient, efficient water infrastructure.
“Water is fundamental to health, economic prosperity, and urban resilience,” Muchadenyika said. “Ensuring Harare’s residents have reliable, safe, and affordable water supply is not only a technical challenge but a social imperative.”
As Harare continues to expand and face the pressures of climate change and urbanisation, addressing the deteriorating water infrastructure will be critical. The city’s future hinges on decisive action to repair and upgrade its water systems, safeguard public health, and promote inclusive economic development.
Failure to act swiftly risks deepening water scarcity, exacerbating inequalities, and undermining confidence in public services. Conversely, a well-functioning water network will unlock opportunities for growth, improve quality of life, and help position Harare as a sustainable and liveable African capital for generations to come.
Source- dailynews
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
