Zimbabwe’s water and sanitation infrastructure has deteriorated to alarming levels, with local authorities across the country failing to meet their basic obligation of providing clean, safe and accessible water for citizens. This failure is evident in major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, where water shortages and the contamination of water sources have become a regular and life-threatening issue. The urban populace, particularly in high-density areas, is left to grapple with severe water shortages, poor sanitation and unsafe living conditions, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
In Harare, thousands of residents are regularly deprived of access to clean water, primarily due to an outdated water distribution network and lack of investment in modernising infrastructure. Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works, which supplies Harare, has failed to meet the city's growing water demand due to poor maintenance, lack of chemicals for treatment and excessive pollution from unchecked agricultural runoff and industrial waste. Sewers in high-density suburbs such as Glen View, Budiriro and Mbare have been consistently overflowing into the streets, creating serious health risks. Bulawayo has not been spared from this crisis, with dams such as Umzingwane running dry as a result of poor water management and prolonged droughts. The municipality continues to struggle in delivering even the most basic water services.
The primary causes of water shortages include a lack of proper infrastructure maintenance, rampant corruption within local councils, the misallocation of funds meant for waterworks improvements and external factors such as climate change and deforestation. But perhaps the most damaging factor is the pollution of water sources, often due to irresponsible mining practices. Companies like the Chinese-owned mining firms operating in Marange and other mineral-rich areas have been dumping toxic waste into rivers, contaminating the already limited water supply. The excessive use of dangerous agricultural chemicals has also polluted major water bodies, such as Lake Chivero, which Harare depends on.
The failure of the Harare City Council, led by officials who lack accountability, is evident in its inability to protect the city’s water sources. Corrupt practices and mismanagement have led to the collapse of basic services. Meanwhile, streets in suburbs such as Highfield and Warren Park are overrun with sewage due to poor maintenance of sewer infrastructure. These councils have proven ineffective in managing water and sanitation, leaving the residents of these cities to suffer the consequences.
To combat these challenges, UZA proposes an immediate overhaul of water and sanitation management. Key measures include:
Rehabilitation of Water Infrastructure: Prioritising the refurbishment of Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works and other vital water treatment plants. Public funds must be transparently allocated to these projects, free from corruption.
Introduction of Modern Water Conservation Technologies: Water recycling, rainwater harvesting and the installation of water metres in all urban homes are crucial steps to conserve water resources.
Protection of Water Sources: Enforce stringent environmental protection laws that prevent pollution from mining companies and agrichemical misuse, with penalties for violators.
Improving Sanitation Systems: Immediate investment in fixing the collapsing sewer networks in Harare, Bulawayo and other cities. Waste management systems need to be overhauled to ensure a clean environment.
The failure of local authorities to provide basic water and sanitation services is a betrayal of their mandate, and the victims are the millions of Zimbabweans who rely on these services for survival. Without decisive action, this situation will continue to deteriorate, causing further harm to the people and the nation’s health.
