The ManicaPost
Health Reporter
VILLAGERS in Buhera District are facing acute water shortages which are forcing people and livestock to travel long distances to get to the nearest water points.
The challenge is more pronounced at public places and institutions like business centres and schools in some wards, raising genuine fears of a health hazard and possible outbreak of water-borne diseases.
Expressing concern over the lack of water resources in the area, Buhera Residents Network Trust co-ordinator Mr Leonard Mabasa said many local communities have resorted to fetching water for domestic use from unprotected sources.
“We are gravely concerned with the crippling shortage of water that the majority of villagers in Buhera are facing. The mainly affected areas are Wards 22 and 24, Muchuchu Village, Usavi area and Masasa, Chuchu and Muzokomba business centres as well as Chirozva High, Kandenga Secondary and Mbeza Primary schools.
“Villagers are now using water from unprotected and unsafe sources, thereby putting their health at risk. We are appealing to Government and well-wishers to repair existing boreholes that have broken down and drill new ones as well,” he said.
Mr Mabasa said the need to address water scarcity is urgent in order to cater for the district’s growing population.
Buhera is Manicland’s semi-arid region and this also affects agricultural productivity.
