By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru
CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe ( News of The South) – In the wake of the devastating Harare–Chitungwiza Road accident that claimed 17 lives, the Municipality of Chitungwiza has announced a temporary reprieve for residents of St. Mary’s and Manyame suburbs: water will be supplied on July 23 and 24, 2025, to facilitate funeral arrangements. While this gesture offers a modicum of comfort to grieving families, it starkly highlights a deeper, more pervasive crisis that plagues the municipality and much of Zimbabwe: the chronic lack of consistent water supply.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has rightfully declared the recent accident a national disaster, and Minister of Local Government, Honourable Daniel Garwe, has assured government assistance with funeral expenses. However, for the citizens of Chitungwiza, the intermittent supply of water, often forcing them to rely on expensive purchased water or hazardous boreholes, is a silent, ongoing national disaster in itself.
The question on the minds of many residents is a poignant one: If water can be supplied for two days to support funeral arrangements, why can it not be supplied regularly to those who diligently pay their rates? Water, after all, is a fundamental human right, not a privilege to be granted only in times of extreme tragedy.
The Dry Taps: A Long-Standing Crisis
Chitungwiza, a dormitory town heavily reliant on Harare’s water supply, has endured a severely erratic water supply for decades. The reasons for this persistent crisis are multifaceted and deeply rooted in systemic issues:
-Dilapidated Infrastructure and Lack of Investment: Much of Chitungwiza’s water infrastructure is old, in disrepair, and prone to frequent breakdowns and massive leakages, leading to significant “non-revenue water” – water lost before it reaches consumers. For the past three decades, there has been a glaring lack of sustained investment in upgrading and maintaining these vital systems.
– Debt to Harare City Council: Chitungwiza Municipality reportedly owes substantial amounts to Harare Water for bulk water supply. This debt has led to reduced water allocations from Harare, further exacerbating shortages.
– Rapid Urbanization and Population Growth: The population of Chitungwiza has grown significantly, outstripping the capacity of existing water supply systems to meet the increasing demand.
– Economic Decline and Insufficient Funding: Zimbabwe’s broader economic challenges have meant that municipalities like Chitungwiza struggle to generate sufficient revenue from rates to finance the operation, maintenance, and development of their water infrastructure. The “user pays principle” has been inconsistently applied, leading to low collection rates and insufficient funds.
– Poor Governance and Management: Reports indicate issues of poor governance, lack of effective management, and even corruption within the water service provision sector, hindering efficient allocation and utilization of resources.
* Reliance on External Sources: Chitungwiza does not have its own major water source and relies heavily on water supplied by Harare. This dependency creates vulnerability when Harare itself faces its own water challenges due to issues like chemical shortages and outdated treatment plants.
The Dire Consequences for Residents
The impact of this chronic water shortage on Chitungwiza residents is devastating:
Health Risks: The lack of access to safe, piped water forces residents to resort to unreliable and often unsafe alternative sources, such as shallow wells and untreated boreholes, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Chitungwiza was the epicenter of a nationwide cholera epidemic in 2008, a grim reminder of the public health threat posed by inadequate water and sanitation.
* Economic Burden: Residents are forced to spend significant portions of their income on purchasing water from private sellers, diverting funds that could be used for other essential needs.
Disrupted Daily Life: Basic hygiene, cooking, and sanitation become immense challenges, disrupting household routines and impacting quality of life. Women, who traditionally bear the brunt of fetching water, face increased hardship.
Educational Impact: Schools have reportedly been forced to close due to inadequate sanitation facilities, affecting children’s education.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions
While the immediate provision of water to assist with funeral arrangements is commendable, it underscores the urgent need for a long-term, sustainable solution to Chitungwiza’s water crisis. This requires:
Significant Investment in Infrastructure: Rehabilitating aging pipes, treatment plants, and distribution networks, and investing in new infrastructure, is paramount. This may require both government funding and partnerships with international donors and private entities.
Addressing Debt and Revenue Collection: Chitungwiza Municipality needs to address its financial obligations to Harare and improve its revenue collection mechanisms from residents.
Improved Governance and Accountability: Transparent and accountable management of water resources is crucial to ensure that funds are used effectively and services are delivered efficiently.
Developing Local Water Sources: Exploring and investing in independent water sources for Chitungwiza, such as the proposed Kunzvi and Musami dams, could reduce reliance on Harare and provide a more resilient supply.
Community Engagement: Engaging residents in finding solutions and promoting responsible water use can also play a vital role.
The tragic Harare–Chitungwiza Road accident has brought national attention to the town. Let this moment serve as a catalyst not only for immediate relief but also for a comprehensive and urgent national dialogue and action plan to address the fundamental human right to water, ensuring that the taps in Chitungwiza, and indeed across all of Zimbabwe, run consistently, not just in times of sorrow.
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