Chitungwiza Residents Cry Foul Over Dam Decommissi...

Chitungwiza Residents Cry Foul Over Dam Decommissioning

Runodada Edward Runodada

Zim Now Reporter

Residents of Chitungwiza are up in arms over the recent decommissioning of the Prince Edward and Harava dams by the City of Harare. The move has exacerbated an already dire water crisis in the satellite town, prompting concerns about public health and sanitation.

Alice, a representative from the Chitungwiza Residents Trust (CHITREST), highlighted the challenges faced by residents prior to the dam decommissioning. The lack of reliable water supply has made it difficult for residents to meet their basic needs, including drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

"We wrote a letter to President Mnangagwa, requesting the construction of the Buda dam to address our water woes," Alice stated. "In 2021, we were granted a court order recognizing our right to water."

The decommissioning of the dams has further compounded the water crisis. With the dry season approaching, the risk of a cholera outbreak looms large, particularly in the absence of adequate water for sanitation and hygiene.

Marvelos Khumalo, Chairperson of the Harare Residents Forum (HAMREF), emphasized the negative impact of the water shortage on the residents' quality of life. "The lack of clean, safe, and potable water poses a serious health risk," he said. "We hope that the City of Harare and the Central Government have a plan in place to address this urgent issue."

It is important to note that the dams' drying up is a direct result of climate change, which has led to increasingly erratic rainfall patterns in the region. The decommissioning of the dams was likely a necessary measure to prevent further deterioration and potential safety hazards.