Victoria Falls gets new water system and refuse trucks to improve services

By Victor Sibanda

Residents of Victoria Falls have welcomed a major improvement in water and sanitation services after the government commissioned a new US$5 million water reservoir system and added two refuse collection trucks in Mkosana Township of VictoriaFalls.

The project was officially opened by Daniel Garwe, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. The infrastructure includes a 5-megalitre ground reservoir and a 0.75-megalitre elevated tank, forming part of the first phase of the city’s US$18 million Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme. The development is supported by a state-of-the-art water pump plant expected to significantly improve water supply in the city.

Minister Garwe also made reference to global development goals, noting that the project supports Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on building sustainable cities and communities. He urged residents to maintain a clean environment and avoid social ills, stating, “Victoria Falls should be a drug-free city. This fosters growth and effective urban development.”

In an announcement that drew ululations and jubilation from the crowd, Minister Garwe revealed that a larger development project is in the pipeline. “We are working on another major project between the City of Victoria Falls and its partners to construct the Victoria Falls Centre,” he said, exciting residents at the gathering.

Officials indicated that the current project will benefit about 25,000 residents by improving access to clean and reliable water, easing pressure on the city’s strained supply system.
Residents expressed relief and optimism. Mavis Chigumira from Mkosana said, “We want clean water. The reservoir should be a game changer in reducing water shortages in the city.”

Mike Chuma also welcomed the development, saying, “The city has made a great move. Now that we have refuse trucks, we do not want to see garbage around. We also want clean and reliable water.”

A local school teacher who identified himself as Charles had this to say: ” It is impressive to see the city embarking on such community development projects. Indeed this gesture is in tandem with the national goals. We had been having torrid times of water scarcity and now that the new pump is constructed and operational, we are assured of consistent supply and this will certainly improve hygiene amongst the households and schools”.

Community and traditional leader, Chief Mvuthu, described the project as long overdue. “This project has been long awaited. We thank the residents for their patience. May these trucks help keep our city clean and the reservoir provide clean water,” she said. The event was also graced by Chief Hwange, alongside former city mayors and councillors.

Town Clerk Ronnie Dube encouraged residents to take responsibility for the new infrastructure. “Residents must embrace and properly use these facilities. As a city, we will make greater efforts to ensure that service delivery is effective and of a high standard,” he said. He added that the city must maintain its reputation as a leading tourist destination through improved services.

Minister Garwe commended the partnership behind the project, noting that the city council funded one refuse truck while African Sun donated another. “Such partnerships are key to development and help us achieve our national goals, particularly the nation’ s vision 2030,” he said.

For years, Victoria Falls has faced water shortages mainly due to old and worn-out pipes at the old pump station. There were also times when garbage could not be collected regularly in some communities because of a shortage of refuse trucks. However, with the introduction of a modern, state-of-the-art water pump system and two new refuse trucks, service delivery is expected to improve greatly.

These developments will help ensure a reliable water supply and a cleaner environment for residents, marking a positive step forward for the city towards the national mantra of reaching an upper-middle income economy by 2030.

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