The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Residents of Magamba Extension in Rusape finally have tap water after over 10 years without the precious liquid following Government’s intervention through a $6 million injection into the project.
The money was availed through the Public Sector Investment Program and devolution funds.
Council can now connect 1 100 households to the system. However, sewer connections remain outstanding.
Rusape Town Council chairman, Councilor Lyton Sithole highlighted that council had been facing challenges in addressing the issue and hailed Government’s intervention.
He added council is now looking for funds for the suburb’s sewer reticulation.
“We are very happy to announce that finally, all the houses in Magamba Extension can now access the water. Council had been failing to raise the required funding and we had to approach central Government for assistance. They came on board and assisted us.
“In 2018, Government first provided $1,3 million under the Public Sector Investment Program. This year, we then received over $4 million under devolution funding.
“Council resolved that the money should be spent on the Magamba water project. It was a big project for us as the pipe network covered 20,8km.
“Over 1 000 homes can now be connected to tap water and residents must approach council so that they get connected,” said Councilor Sithole.
Magamba residents who spoke to The Manica Post said council must promptly address the sewer system. They also complained of untrafficable roads in the suburb.
However, the residents applauded council for some of its recent achievements. The council recently purchased a brand new open truck and modified it into an ambulance. Rusape Town Council operates three clinics and has been relying on a single ramshackle ambulance to service its health facilities.
Government has been very sincere on the devolution agenda. Millions of dollars have been availed for both urban and rural councils, with the funds channelled towards water, education and health infrastructure.
