The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
AN acute water shortage has hit several parts of Chipinge urban after some galvanised transmission pipes worth $28 000 from the main source – Bangazani Dam – were vandalised by Cyclone Idai, which ravaged the district a fortnight ago.
Chipinge has been operating with dry taps since mid-February, forcing residents to fetch water from unprotected water sources, and exposing themselves to diseases.
A stop-gap measure by Zinwa to supply residents with water failed to achieve desired results as the supply chain was overwhelmed by high demand.
A survey conducted by The Manica Post this week revealed a ticking health time bomb as the situation had reached the tipping point, especially at the Chipinge district hospital, where hundreds of Cyclone Idai victims are being treated.
Dairiboard Zimbabwe, whose operations require huge volumes of water to process its products, is grappling with the shortages, resulting in it failing to produce enough to meet demand.
The Chipinge Town Council (CTC), with the help of some development partners, was working overtime to restore normal supplies.
CTC administrator Mr Joseph Mashingaidze said water supply was expected normalise tomorrow (Saturday) courtesy of a gesture by two development partners that bailed out the cash strapped council.
“We would like to advise our valued residents and stakeholders that all efforts are being dedicated towards restoring water supply and repair of badly damaged roads.
“We are appealing for their patience as the work to reconnect transmission pipes to Bangazani Dam is in progress. We expect to our water supply water to normalise by tomorrow (Saturday).
“We have been supported by Plan International to secure the required pipes. UNICEF has also assisted through the rehabilitation of dysfunctional boreholes in the town. The Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) has also mobilised equipments and financial resources to support the rehabilitation of roads,” he said.
