Hope has bloomed for Chitungwiza residents struggling with water shortages and recent cholera outbreaks. The government, in partnership with Wistmer Investments, has embarked on a project to tap into a newly discovered aquifer in Seke, offering a beacon of light in the midst of hardship.
This promising initiative is expected to deliver 8 to 25 megalitres of water daily, significantly easing the burden on residents and the Manyame Rural District Council. The vast underground reservoir in Seke presents a lifeline for Chitungwiza, paving the way for both immediate and long-term solutions to the water crisis.
Lands Minister Anxious Masuka (pictured) views this project as an integral part of Chitungwiza’s transformation into a smart city. He emphasized the importance of community engagement to ensure surrounding areas benefit from this project, as reported by a state-owned newspaper.
“We have identified an investor to expedite this process, particularly in light of the ongoing cholera outbreak,” Minister Masuka said.
“Our aim is to provide urgent water access to Chitungwiza through two sources. This aquifer in Seke has the potential to deliver 8 megalitres per day. We visited the site to assess the drilling progress and, more importantly, to engage with the community so that surrounding areas can also reap the benefits of this resource.”
Prophet Walter Magaya, Chairman of Wistmer Investments, echoed the significance of clean water in a smart city, as reported by the state-owned newspaper.
“Everyone deserves access to clean water running through their taps,” he stated.
“This project goes beyond simply pumping water. We are tackling the issue of liquid waste management by replacing existing pipes to ensure proper treatment and disposal,” he said.
This development follows last year’s calls from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) for adequate water access, particularly in urban areas. They highlighted the increased risk of cholera outbreaks in communities without running water.
