Staff Reporter
In a remarkable stride towards resolving the severe water shortages in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-led Harare City, a dedicated technical team has now been assembled by the Government.
The capital has been grappling with acute water shortages, which have precipitated the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Speaking after yesterday’s cabinet session, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, informed the nation that the Government was working towards resolving the Harare water challenges.
"The Cabinet advises that a Technical Committee to improve the water supply situation in the City of Harare and resolve the challenges currently affecting the City has been put in place. Cabinet reports that in order to increase water production to 520 ML/day, there is a need to supply water treatment chemicals; the rehabilitation works at Morton Jaffray Water Works; the rehabilitation and maintenance of Prince Edward Water Works; and 312 boreholes drilled so far to augment water supply have been put in place,” Minister Muswere stated.
The Minister emphasised the necessity of enhancing the water supply by 20 percent.
“Cabinet reports that in order to ensure improved potable water supply coverage to the city from 40% to 60%, there is a need to rehabilitate water production at Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward Water Works. This will boost production capacity from the current 300 mega litres per day to 520 mega litres per day within the next 100 days,” he elaborated.
Additionally, Minister Muswere said there was an urgent need to overhaul the water distribution infrastructure.
"The nation is informed that in order to reduce non-revenue water from 59% to 55%, the replacement of pipes, metres, and pressure release valves in the distribution networks will be prioritized. Furthermore, to improve sanitation, reduce sewer leakages, and increase treatment of wastewater generated in the City to above 50 mL/day, the following projects will be prioritised: upgrading of the Mbare main sewer, rehabilitation of Firle Sewage Works, rehabilitation of sewer Trunk Mains, rehabilitation of BNR at Crowborough Sewage Works, and repair of Marlborough. The objective is to increase sewage collection and increase wastewater treatment to 50 ML/day within the next 100 days,” he detailed.
The Minister also shared some positive news, noting that water production levels were already showing signs of improvement, thanks to a more stable supply of chemicals. He assured that further progress could be expected upon implementation of the suggested technical interventions.
Meanwhile, the formation of the technical committee is a crucial step forward, positioning Harare to better supply clean water to its residents. This is expected to significantly mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases, contributing to the health and safety of the population.
