By Sizalobuhle Khumalo 

Citizens have said that the water crisis that has hit Harare is a cumulative result of sanctions, while MDC Harare North MP, Rusty Murkham, has blamed the situation to the lackadaisical approach by the city management to pro-actively addressing the situation.

A Harare citizen, Velempini Tjiyapo tweeted, “This is a cumulative result of sanctions. A once vibrant local company (State Owned) called Chemplex used to supply water treatment chemicals. Not only did it do very well, it was proudly Zimbabwean.  It collapsed under these sanctions. Massive De-industrialization occurred.

He added: “Now the same characters are crying for a Government bailout whilst asking for even tougher sanctions. It would seem they have never heard of a systems approach to problem solving. If they had any idea of this approach to decision making they would have long resigned.”

MDC Harare North MP, Murkham, has heaped the blame on the city fathers and management.

Markhum tweeted, “Morton Jaffery, Harare waters main pump station has been shut down due to lack of chemicals in particular Chlorine. Council, management and Community water alliance have been lobbying that the water and sanitary situation be declared a state of emergency. Reactive rather than pro.”

Another citizen, Eng Oswell Chakwanda tweeted, “These councils are stealing money under the guise of water crisis. I know there is guy who is supplying these chemicals who drives a Range Rover and Mercedes X350 all from one tender. This is madness. ZINWA must take over.”

Kelvin Motsi tweeted, “A lot of valid points being shared here. Let's also however look at the fact that residents have also been irresponsible by not paying rates.  Sense of entitlement by the leadership not paying their bills also plays a part. That said, council is also sleeping on the job.”