Byo water crisis: A dark silver lining
Providence Moyo
As the water crisis intensifies in Bulawayo, residents of New Magwegwe and parts of Lobengula West have expressed their dismay at the lack of access to clean and safe drinking water.
In desperation, residents have resorted to relying on burst pipes and boreholes for survival. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged for those residing in the “Ama 28, 27, 26” areas and sections of Lobengula West (including ama 72). A water pipe that burst last month located just a few metres from the New Magwegwe Sabbath church towards Kondron along Luveve road has been a blessing to residents, supplying them with the precious liquid.
Mary Sibanda, a resident, said the ruptured pipeline has brought about relief in the community.
“Kungcono ukuthi yabakhona ipipe edabukileyo ngabe ayikho ngabe singaphi? Izibholane ezikhona ziyasinda, uyatshona uhlezi esibholaneni ngoba lamalayini makhulu. Igodi leli liyasiza ngoba asisahluphi kangako ezindlini zabantu sicela amanzi.”
However, another resident, Nqobani Moyo, expressed concern regarding the safety of the burst pipe in terms of its suitability for human consumption as the water flows on ground that had sewage flowing on it before.
“Asilanto esingayenza siyawakha kodwa kunjalo siyazibuza ukuthi kambe angabe aphephe kangakanani ukuthi siwanathe. Amanzi lawa ahamba phezulu komhlabathi ebesiwukhangele kugeleza phezulu isewage ezinyangeni ezimbalwa iphuma ku 72508 kodwa amanzi aphuma phambili kuka 725010 adlula khonaphana ku 72508 esiyakuma ekhoneni lendlu okuyikho lapho esiwakha khona.”
Moreblessing Ndimande said the water challenge has been compounded by the high electricity tariffs.
“Amagetsi ayathengwa ngakho lokubilisa amanzi kusuka kubenzima usucabangela amagetsi ukuthi ungabilisa amapheyili amabili ayasala sekulihetshana ususiba lenkinga njalo yamagetsi.”
Khumbulani Maphosa, Director of the Matebeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR), urged residents to prioritize their safety by treating water to prevent waterborne diseases.
“If water is from a burst pipe, it is no longer safe for consumption and its safety has become compromised even if it looks clean it cannot be safe, therefore, I encourage residents to be cautious and use different measures like the use of water guard, chlorine tablets, and boiling to ensure the safety of their drinking water.”
In addition, Maphosa called upon the local authority, Bulawayo City Council (BCC), to adhere strictly to its water restoration schedule. He revealed that some parts of the city have gone beyond two weeks without clean water from their taps.
According to a survey carried out by MIHR, most females face conflicts or violence at alternative watering points with 73% having experienced insults, 66% pushing and shoving incidences reported while 23% had encountered fights with another group using the same point while an additional 15% received threats from others present at such points.
The major perpetrators of conflict/violence were youths; young males accounted for up-to-92%.
