KAROI, Mar. 22 (NewsDay Live) –A councillor in the Nyaminyami Rural District, has expressed concern over the growing water crisis, which is exacerbating conflicts between humans and wildlife in the area.
Located approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Karoi, Manyovhe under Chief Negande faces significant water shortages. Villagers in these remote areas are forced to travel up to five kilometers to access water from a nearby river.
Brian Ncube, the Ward 5 councillor, frustrated by the lack of progress on securing clean and safe water for his constituents, said the situation had become dire.
“In some areas, clean water is as valuable as diamonds. Areas like Gumpa, Makuyu fishing camp, and Kasawi are particularly affected. In Gumpa, for example, people walk about five kilometers to a nearby river, where they fetch drinking water from dug wells.
“This not only adds to the hardship of fetching water but also increases the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Villagers must leave as early as 4 a.m. to collect water, and sometimes, they don’t return home until late, facing potential encounters with wildlife,” he explained.
The ward shares its border with a wildlife-protected area, increasing the likelihood of conflicts with elephants, jackals, and lions.
“Water scarcity poses a serious risk to human life,” Ncube added.
On the occasion of World Water Day, its shortages dominated messaging by several groups.
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Precious Shumba, director of the Harare Residents Trust, expressed concern over the widespread water shortages affecting the capital, with no solution in sight and criticised the Harare City Council for implementing a government directive to privatize water through the introduction of prepaid meters, despite objections from residents.
“What makes this year particularly difficult is the introduction of prepaid water meters, against the legitimate fears and objections from residents. Meanwhile, residents continue to face water shortages and frequent sewer pipe bursts that remain unrepaired for weeks. Women and girls are especially vulnerable, as they are tasked with collecting water, which often involves long and dangerous journeys,” said Shumba in a statement.
“As we reflect on the importance of water, we urge the government to invest more in strengthening local authorities' capacity to provide clean, potable water. Many of the city’s water meters are dysfunctional, and thousands require replacement. While some of these meters could be repaired, the council has shown little interest in addressing this issue.”
On Thursday, Mashonaland West Proportional Representative Mutsa Murombedzi called on the government to take decisive action to address the water crisis, which is affecting millions of Zimbabweans.
Speaking on the significance of World Water Day, she highlighted the importance of water for health, food security, and economic development, while drawing attention to the large percentage of people in rural areas who still lack access to safe and reliable water sources.
"Water is life. Yet, many of our citizens, especially those in rural areas, still rely on unsafe water sources, putting them at risk of waterborne diseases. This is unacceptable in a country that has the capacity to invest in sustainable water solutions,” Murombedzi said.
She also pointed out that women and children in remote areas are disproportionately affected, enduring long walks to fetch water, often at great personal risk.
“The effects of climate change have exacerbated the crisis, with many rivers and dams drying up due to erratic rainfall patterns and environmental degradation. Poor water management, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient investment in water harvesting solutions have further worsened the situation,” Murombedzi added.
“We must prioritize water infrastructure, strengthen local authorities' accountability in managing water supplies, and ensure fair distribution, particularly in drought-prone areas.”
Murombedzi called for aggressive water conservation policies, including rainwater harvesting and sustainable groundwater management, and urged the government to support climate adaptation strategies that safeguard water resources and build community resilience.
"Clean water is not a privilege; it is a right. We must act now to secure this precious resource for future generations."
In response, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to address water shortages, including a programme that aims to provide 35,000 homesteads with solar-powered boreholes and nutrition gardens. He also mentioned that the government has harvested water from 10,600 water bodies, with further efforts underway.
“The government's water development programs are progressing, and I believe your message will support these ongoing efforts. This is an opportunity to recognize the essential role clean water and sanitation play in our daily lives, as they contribute to economic, social, and human development,” Mudenda said.
According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023, at least two billion people, 26% of the global population, lack safe drinking water, while 3.6 billion (or 46%), lack access to safely managed sanitation.
