Chitungwiza grapples with deepening water crisis

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Chitungwiza, a sprawling dormitory town bordering Harare, is facing a severe water crisis, prompting urgent calls for action from stakeholders. A recent two-day workshop, focused on crafting the council's Local Environmental Action Plan (LEAP), highlighted the critical nature of the situation. The LEAP initiative aims to address pressing environmental issues, including water shortages, waste management, pollution, and climate change. During the workshop, facilitated by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), water scarcity emerged as the top priority, overshadowing other concerns like blocked drains, waste management, and unplanned settlements.

Home to approximately half a million people, Chitungwiza has long struggled to provide adequate water to its residents. The municipality lacks its own dedicated water source, relying on external supplies that have proven insufficient. The crisis intensified last August with the decommissioning of the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant due to a natural disaster, further crippling the town's already strained water infrastructure.

Cosmas Chiringa, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Secretary, emphasized the unique challenges facing Chitungwiza. He pointed to the town's rapid urbanization and population growth as key factors exacerbating the water shortage. "As one of the largest urban centers in Zimbabwe, the municipality has struggled to keep pace with the increasing demand for basic services such as water, sanitation, and waste management," Chiringa stated. He stressed the importance of the LEAP process in identifying alternative water sources, improving water management practices, and exploring the feasibility of constructing a dedicated water treatment plant for Chitungwiza.

Chiringa also highlighted the LEAP's broader goal of integrating environmental considerations into all aspects of municipal planning, from land use and infrastructure development to public health and education. He urged a balanced approach, emphasizing the need to meet the growing population's needs without compromising environmental health. This, he explained, involves adopting sustainable practices, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting environmental awareness and education.

Acting Chitungwiza Town Clerk, Japson Nemuseso, echoed the urgency of the situation. "This plan is not just about protecting the environment," he said. "It is about safeguarding our health, our livelihoods, and the future of our children. It is about ensuring that Chitungwiza remains a place where people can thrive, where businesses can grow, and where nature can flourish."

EMA Provincial Environmental Manager, Leon Mutungamiri, commended the council for its inclusive approach, noting the importance of stakeholder engagement in developing the LEAP document. He emphasized the plan's role in identifying partners to address the town's environmental challenges.