Water woes hit Zaka district communities

SERIOUS water shortages have hit communities in Zaka rural district after water points, wells ran dry and boreholes broke down. Speaking during the community feedback meeting facilitated by Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in ward 18, the villagers stated that, the residents have been reduced to water scavengers as the water crisis worsen owing to lack of repair and maintenance of boreholes and water points by the District Development Fund (DDF) department and the Rural District Council.

The villagers have reportedly engaged ward 18 councillor, a Mativenga and the Ward Development Committee (WADCO) over the water challenges.

However, the community members are worried that public officials have been lackadaisical about the issue.

The villagers highlighted the sad situation on the ground. Mupisa, a local community borehole which serves Maputsa, Marufu, Chongore, Gaza and other local villages, is currently malfunctioning.

The community members have been previously making contributions for the refurbishment of Mupisa and other local boreholes.

Many of these boreholes only functioned for a few days before breaking down again.

Many of these boreholes no longer reach the water table due to low rainfall, therefore, there is need for further drilling and deepening the boreholes.

Headman Madzivire, a Wadco member for ward 18, confirmed the engagements between the councillor, Wadco and Cotrad portfolio committee on water supply over the matter.

He stated that further engagements between Wadco, public officials and relevant authorities are underway in trying to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene is critical especially during this COVID-19 pandemic period.

An urgent solution in resolving the water crisis in Zaka district is required through drilling more boreholes to assist the affected communities.

In some communities, there is need to repair the existing water infrastructure.

Cotrad will continue to engage the local council and public officials until the water crisis is rectified.

Access to clean and safe water is a constitutional right as enshrined in section 77 that, every person has the right to clean and safe water. Cotrad Zimbabwe