WILD follows up on Umzingwane District water crisis

Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) convened a #WaterIndaba in Umzingwane Upper Catchment area with pivotal stakeholders in the plight of access to clean and portable water, this morning. The meeting was a follow up on the recommendations that were agreed on when a similar gathering convened in December 2018. Present for the Conference were delegates from Umzingwane Rural District Council (URDC), Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), Ward Councillors, WILD Ward Advocacy Committee members and the District Administration office. These were the issues that were highlighted during the meeting:

  • ZINWA blends water that is distributed to the community and residents expressed displeasure as it is now too hard to use.
  • Delegates implored ZINWA to consider a revision of the current water billing system as the fixed charge is too expensive for residents who hardly spend much time within their homes.
  • There should be a clear consensus between Zinwa and URDC, particularly in selecting land that will be pegged for residents in need of housing stands as some houses were built on top of water pipes.
  • Residents complained over metre fittings within their homes, citing how ZINWA ought to improve on these as they distort water readings.
  • One resident brought a sample of the dirty tap water and ZINWA officials were urged to submit the sample of the unclean water to the engineering department, who will determine the quality.
  • Residents and other delegates urged the Council to ensure that water pipes are directed straight into Umzingwane District dams.
  • EMA stated how they will avail fire beaters to local communities as there is a surge in cases of veld fires.
  • EMA warned residents to desist from habits of littering the environment as they will be forced to crack the whip on them.
  • EMA committees ought to be resuscitated to aid in the dissemination of information on ways of safeguarding the environment.
  • Umzingwane Rural District Council (URDC) has managed to drill more boreholes in the area through funding received from the central government so as to ease the burden of minimal access to water.
  • Private Public Partnerships have been intensified in the District with the hope of accommodating various individuals with interest in improving the provision of water.

Source: Women’s Institute for Leadership Development

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