Matero in three weeks water blues

MATERO residents have for three weeks endured a severe water crisis forcing residents to draw the commodity from few boreholes with owners charging K1 per 25 litre container.

The water crisis has forced many residents to walk long distances such as the industrial area in search of the commodity.

A check by the Daily Nation at the weekend, found scores of residents moving about with buckets and containers in search of water.

One of the affected residents, Ms Mercy Kabwe said she wakes up as early as 02:00 hours to fetch some water from the taps but that the water pressure is usually low and lasts for not more than 30 minutes.

Another resident, John Tembo said the situation was unhealthy as water was needed to flush toilets and wash clothes as well as for cooking and drinking.

Mr Tembo urged the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) to work round the clock in order to normalise the situation.

Mr. Tembo said he draws water from one of the boreholes which is characterised by long queues and jostling.

“The situation in Matero is worrisome as this is the first time we have not had water for three weeks continuously. We are drawing water from one of our neighbours who has a borehole and we are paying K1 per 25 litre container,” Mr Tembo said.

Another resident popularly known as double D said he has not washed his clothes for a week as water was only used for cooking and drinking.

When contacted LWSC Public Relations Manager, Patson Phiri attributed the water crisis to a damaged water pipe in Libala Township.

Mr. Phiri said the water utility firm was doing everything possible to rectify the situation.