Water crisis hits Rusape
RUSAPE was this week plunged into a serious water crisis after pipes used to extract raw water for purification from Rusape River were swept away by floods last Saturday.
The pipes were swept away at the Town Water Works leaving more than half of the town without water.
The Town Water Works pumps water directly to consumers in Wards One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Seven. It also supplies the entire Central Business District and the old industrial area, while the Jack Needham which draws water from Rusape Dam supplies the remainder.
If the water situation remains unresolved Rusape Town Council stands to lose a lot of revenue as Delta Beverage’s Chibuku pays $30 000 per month in water rates only and other big water consumers in industrial areas.
The situation was so dire up to Tuesday amid fears that water-borne diseases such cholera and typhoid may spread. Schools such as Vengere Primary, Rujeko Primary, John Cowie Primary and Vengere High were also affected and education officials were contemplating to temporarily shut them until waters supplies were restored.
By the time of going to print, council workers were still running around trying to find alternative ways of making sure that they drew water from the river. By Tuesday evening they had managed to create a makeshift bypass that was drawing water from the river to the purification plant and water was now available in some areas though with very low pressure.
An all stakeholders meeting was held on Tuesday where council appraised them on the situation on the ground.
In an interview on the sidelines of the meeting, RTC chairman, Alderman Amon Chawasarira, said council was rectifying the problem and water supply would be normalised soon.
He also said although the situation appeared dire, residents and businesses must not press panic buttons.
He encouraged those who staying in areas where water is available to share with others.
Ald Chawasarira said council would continue to monitor whether businesses especially backyards restaurants are using clean and safe water to avoid the spread of diseases.
“The water situation is very critical, the pipes we use to extract water from the river were washed away. We are fighting to repair them as soon as possible, but the major challenge is that the river is still flooded. Our engineering people have arranged that they create a pipe that bypasses the normal channel.
“We are worried with schools and crèches because they cannot operate without water and we are looking at ways to supply them with water to avoid a situation where they will be forced to turn children away. We are very mindful that diseases might spread because of the current situation and our Environmental Health Officer is taking care of that. We are fighting to clear all refuse and destroy all stagnant water.
“We are also monitoring businesses so that they continue to use clean water. Some businesses are getting bulky water from Jack Needham Water Works. We are working overtime so that we get on top of the situation. People should not panic, said Alderman Chawasarira.
Businessman, Mr Tafara Chidawanyika of Pamugodo Lodge and Chidaz Butchery, said the unavailability of water had negatively impacted on most businesses.
“We are hopeful normal water supplies will be restored as soon as possible because things are really tight for us in businesses. We can’t operate without water. The cause of the water shortage, however, does not lie with council as they cannot control the rains. From the explanation we got from council we hope the problem will be rectified in due course,” he said.