Introduction
On 11 March 2021 I wrote an article titled “Damaged urban roads need urgent attention”. At that time I did not realise Government already had an excellent plan to repair our badly damaged roads. I am thrilled and am sure many more are as there is noticeable work being undertaken to uplift the state of our roads. The update recently given by the Ministry of Transport is quite appreciated. I have heard some arguments linking the current road works to the 2023 elections saying people believe in what they see. Elections or no elections I find nothing wrong if a Government implements the right measures to improve the standard of living of its people. Let us celebrate good when it is being done.
Water situation
There is no doubt the supply of clean potable water in most cities and towns needs urgent attention like is being given to roads. I will focus on Harare as it is the city I am most familiar with. The water crises in Harare and other urban areas cannot be denied or wished away. Some of the causes of the shortage in clean potable water supply include the following:
- Obsolete infrastructure for piped water i.e. both pumping and distribution equipment.
- Ballooning population even as evidenced by sprouting new residential areas.
- Shortage of water treatment or purification chemicals mainly caused by lack of funding and shortage of foreign currency to import the chemicals.
- Droughts which affect the amount of water available in dam reservoirs.
- Sub economic local council tariffs or non-payment of water bills by residents thereby limiting local council of financial resources required to fund water supplies.
- Alleged mismanagement of water supplies or finances at local authorities.
Right to clean water
According to section 77(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe every person has the right to safe, clean and potable water and the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right.
It cannot be disputed that a lot still needs to be done for residents or citizens in general to enjoy this right.
Effects of shortage of clean water
A lot of difficulties are experienced when residents do not have access to adequate supplies of clean potable water. Some of the challenges include the following:
- Residents will resort to using unsafe water from alternative sources such as shallow wells.
- Residents will be exposed to diseases such as cholera or typhoid.
- Serious challenges with toilets and sewerage system. It is very difficult to stay in a place where for example toilets cannot be flushed due to water shortage.
- Residents may end up walking long distances to fetch water from alternative sources such as communal boreholes.
- Where water may be available overnight when use is low residents may have to fill up or do laundry very late at night.
Alternative sources of clean water
Where there is a crisis in the supply of clean potable water, as is the current situation, residents may resort to alternative sources of water, some of which are unsafe. Examples include:
- Shallow wells
- Boreholes
- Buying bottled or bulk water.
It is quite common to find shallow wells in both old and newly established especially high density suburbs for reasons that are well understood. Water from such shallow wells is unsafe. It is exposed to the sewerage system which is usually very close.
In areas where property size is relatively bigger such as in low density suburbs it is quite common for residents to drill boreholes. Unfortunately water from some of the boreholes is not tested to determine if it is fit for human consumption.
Some affluent families may end up buying water, either bottled or bulk or both. For example in Harare bulk water delivery is big business.
Recommendations to ease water supply situation
Surely if roads are being attended to, at the scale they are, then the water situation can ably be attended to also. National government and local government are encouraged to consider the following recommendations:
- Local authorities such as the City of Harare should find ways to resolve the shortage of water treatment or purification chemicals. This may involve charging and collecting levies that allow provision of adequate water. Council is encouraged to engage residents. Where residents see funds being properly utilised for their benefit they will most likely cooperate when it comes to pay bills.
- Subject to budgetary considerations, central Government may also come in and assist council with funding while council is working on improving its finances. Appropriate controls to ensure accountability should be put in place.
- Some of the chemicals used are imported and the shortage of foreign currency has been cited before. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is urged to prioritise foreign currency allocation for this purpose, if not being done already.
- While working on improving water supplies local authorities are advised to come up with schedules of water supplies like is done by ZESA on electricity load shedding. This helps residents to plan their access to water supplies.
- Another option frequently suggested is for local authorities to drill localised boreholes that pump to a local water reservoir from which water is then pumped to residences. If feasible a local authority can work with residents and corporates.
- The long term solution is to upgrade the water pumping and distribution infrastructure. Local authorities and central Government do not need to wait to carry this out as massive projects. Residents will appreciated phased projects over even 5-10 years or longer. Surely this can be done.
- To cater for drought periods Government already has plans in place to construct additional dams e.g. Kunzvi.
- Improve management of water supply at the local authorities through training or replacement.
- Put in place legislation for the provision of adequate clean water.
Conclusion
The economy is showing positive signs. I am sure if heads are put together by all stakeholders long lasting solutions can be found and implemented for the good of the people and the economy.
Disclaimer
This simplified article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the writer’s professional advice.
Godknows Hofisi, LLB(UNISA), B.Acc(UZ), CA(Z), MBA (EBS, UK) is a legal practitioner / conveyancer, chartered accountant, corporate rescue practitioner, and consultant in deal structuring and is an experienced director of companies. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on +263 772 246 900 or gohofisi@gmail.com
