Residents demand national disaster declaration on ...

Residents demand national disaster declaration on water crisis

Zim Now Writer

Residents associations have issued a resounding call to the government to officially declare the ongoing water crisis in Zimbabwe a national disaster. The Zimbabwe Union of Residents and Ratepayers Association spokesperson, Marvelous Khumalo, emphasized the urgency of the situation during a press conference on Wednesday.

"The water crisis is not confined to the Harare Metropolitan Province; it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention," Khumalo stated. "We call on the President of Zimbabwe to officially declare it a national disaster."

The residents believe that such a declaration would facilitate resource mobilization from both local and international stakeholders, enabling a more effective response to the crisis.

ZURRA and the Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum have also urged authorities and communities to intensify efforts to prevent the destruction of wetlands and regulate groundwater abstraction. These actions are crucial for preserving water sources and mitigating the impact of the crisis.

The water shortage has led to a range of problems, including conflicts and cases of gender-based violence at public boreholes. Some boreholes have been politicized by water point user committees, with chairpersons demanding exorbitant fees for access to water.

Residents in high-density suburbs have been forced to resort to unsafe water sources such as rivers, shallow wells, and springs to meet their domestic needs.