Impact of 2020 water crisis permanent
Impact of 2020 water crisis permanent
Providence Moyo
BULAWAYO – Bulawayo Residents gathered Friday at Luveve Beit hall in remembrance of Luveve community members who died at the height of the water crisis in May last year. It emerged during the memorial that the effects of the water crisis are still being felt by survivors of the disaster.
In attendance were delegates from Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BUPRA) , Women’s Institute for Leadership and Development (WILD) , Bulawayo vendors and Traders association (BVTA), Member of Parliament for Luveve Constituency, Honourable Stella Ndlovu and families of the water crisis victims as well as some survivors.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Ndlovu encouraged residents to demand good service delivery from the local authority whenever they detect dereliction of duty or delinquency on the part of the authority.
“As Bulawayo residents, we should enhance the demand for better and good service delivery from our council when we feel things are not being done according to our expectations,” she said.
A local clergyman, Pastor Nyathi urged citizens to form united fronts during times of crisis so as to facilitate progressive solutions for the betterment of societies.
“I would like to call upon everyone to unite and assist those in need. As we move forward as a city, we should not leave behind those who are grieving. Rather, we should help them get through their pains and sorrows,” said Pastor Nyathi.
In his submissions, the spokesperson of the victims’ families, Mr G. Gumede paid tribute to all persons that assisted the families during the tough times. He said the impact of the 2020 water crisis is indelible.
“The water crisis that was experienced last year will continue to be a constant reminder of our plight as some survivors of the unsafe water that killed some have developed disabilities and some of these people have persistent stomach aches.Lives have been changed forever,” said Gumede in a heart-rending speech.
In May last year, the Luveve community lost 13 people that included 9 children after they allegedly drank unsafe council tap water resulting in an unprecedented outbreak of typhoid and diarrhoea.
Hon. Ndlovu who handed out bags of mealie meal to the families of victims also took advantage of the memorial to advise residents who took the first dose of the Indian vaccine, Covaxin to go to local clinics and restart the vaccination process.
“The government is encouraging residents who got their first doses of Covaxin to visit their nearest hospitals and restart the process using other vaccines as the Covaxin is no longer accessible,” she said.
