Health hazard looms in Gweru

A HEALTH hazard is looming in Ward 7 in Lower Gweru as villagers who have no alternative source of water have resorted to using the polluted Gweru River for household chores.

In an interview last week, villagers said they have been facing acute water shortages and have been forced to turn to water from Gweru River which has been condemned by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) because council has been spilling raw sewage into the river.

The villagers said they are living in fear of contracting cholera and typhoid due to lack of safe water.

“We are having water problems since the time our boreholes were changed to solar powered,” said Mrs Tamari Moyo. “The solar is no longer working. We are now using water from Gweru River together with our livestock so as to survive but unfortunately it is not safe to use since sometimes it’s polluted with sewer disposals.”

Another villager, Mr Josh Sibanda, said: “We are now leaving in fear of contracting cholera and typhoid especially when it is known that Gweru council discharges raw sewer into this water body.” Member of Parliament for Vungu Constituency Cde Omega Sibanda said he was working on installing 10 boreholes to avert water shortages. “I have noted with concern that areas like Ward 7 in Lower Gweru have been facing water shortages hence becoming a challenge leading to them resorting to unhealthy water sources which is risky towards their health,” he said. “Therefore, to ward-off the water shortages we will be installing 10 boreholes in the ward which will cater for the villagers and two others meant the livestock.”

Cde Sibanda said while the installation of the boreholes will be in motion, they will also improve health facilities in the area.