Kadoma needs $4m to address water challenges

THE Kadoma City Council needs $4 million to address the perennial water challenges that have seen some areas in the city going for up to 20 years without the precious liquid.

Mayor of the City of Kadoma, Councillor Muchineripi Chinyanganya, said the local authority needed funding to address the water challenges.

He said financial challenges had made it difficult for council to deal with the water situation in the city.

“There are areas we have managed to supply water, but we need more funding to address the crisis,” said Cllr Chinyanganya. “We need at least $4 million to revamp the water reticulation system and install water pumps to the affected suburbs.”

Cllr Chinyanganya said some of the water infrastructure in the city was obsolete and affecting its flow to the residents and ratepayers.

“Pumping capacity and treatment plants are in good condition, but the issue of reticulation needs to be addressed,” he said. “Our infrastructure continues to dilapidate every month with our valves collapsing, affecting water supplies.”

Cllr Chinyanganya, however, expressed concern at the mushrooming of land developers who are worsening the water situation in the city.

“We have these many land developers, some of whom are bogus, that affect our plans in ensuring the continuous flow of water,” he said.

Cllr Chinyanganya said council would create more reservoirs that need more treatment plants to ensure safe and clean water for domestic and industrial consumption.

“However, the unplanned settlements that are being built by land developers in the city are costing us dearly when in addressing the water situation,” he said. The water situation is affecting areas such as Westview, Mupamombe, Eiffel Flats and Rimuka, with residents sometimes being forced to rely on unsafe water sources.