Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II water crisis resolved, residents rejoice
Providence Moyo
After eight long months, water supply has been restored to Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II residents in Hwange.
The reconnection of water comes as a relief to residents who were exposed to communicable diseases due to lack of access to clean water.
“We welcome the reconnection of water at phase 4,” said Fidelis Chima, director of Greater Hwange Residents Trust. “However, water management in Hwange should be under our jurisdiction”.
Chima attributed the disconnection of the water services to Hwange Local Board’s debt to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
Councillor M. Mafa, Board Chairperson of Hwange Local Board, apologized for the prolonged water outage. “It was not our intention to deprive residents of water, but circumstances beyond our control led to this situation”. Mafa explained that ZINWA’s exorbitant fees forced the council to hand over water management, and that during the crisis, they made effort to ensure that residents receive water for basic sanitation practices.
“We started supplying affected residents with water using a bowser, recognizing water as a basic human right,” Mafa said.
The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic uses.The council had been working to expedite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ZINWA, but the process was delayed.
“Despite our efforts, ZINWA dragged its feet, depriving residents of portable water for eight months,” Mafa noted.
With the water reconnected, residents are relieved. The council has also cleared its debt to ZINWA. “Handing over Empumalanga Phase 4 Stage II was not due to lack of capacity, but ZINWA made it practically impossible for us,” Mafa clarified.This resolution brings hope to the community, ensuring access to a fundamental human right.
