Cholera Crisis: Muda Dam Movement Points to Lack o...

Cholera Crisis: Muda Dam Movement Points to Lack of Clean Water

An expedited building of the Muda Dam in Zimbabwe has been requested.

The Chitungwiza-based Muda Dam Movement has expressed concern over the recent cholera outbreak that has affected parts of Harare and is attributable to the unavailability of clean, safe, and portable water.

MDM says the unfortunate situation highlights the critical importance of accelerating the construction of Muda Dam for the residents of Chitungwiza and surrounding areas.

Chitungwiza continues to feed off Harare’s water supply system, exerting more pressure and worsening Harare’s water supply challenges.

In a statement, MDM says the cholera outbreak in Harare highlights the urgent need to enhance water infrastructure and access to clean water. Cholera is a preventable and treatable waterborne disease that spreads rapidly in conditions where clean water is scarce and sanitation facilities are inadequate.

“The current situation in Harare emphasizes the pressing necessity to prioritize projects that ensure a sustainable and reliable supply of clean water for the community. It is more concerning to note that the community of Chitungwiza, due to its proximity to Harare, is at risk of outbreaks of the disease.

“The construction of Muda Dam is a vital initiative that will provide a lasting solution to challenges in the delivery of portable water. With the increased water storage and distribution capacity, the dam and water treatment plant will enable better sanitation practices and mitigate the risks associated with waterborne diseases such as cholera. One case is too many and we should not have to wait for a time like this to take action.

“We urge all stakeholders, including government bodies, development partners and the public to rally together and prioritize the construction of Muda Dam.

“The collective efforts and collaboration of all entities involved are crucial in ensuring the success of this much-needed endeavour, which will safeguard public health, promote sustainable development, and uplift the quality of life for the people of Chitungwiza and its surrounding areas,” reads the statement.

The MDM reiterates its commitment to advocating for the timely completion of the Muda Dam project and urges all stakeholders to work in harmony to expedite its construction.

With an initial budget of US$285 million, the Muda Dam project has been on the cards for years and appears to have succumbed to a still birth owing, mainly to personal and political-related reasons.

At one time, great progress appeared to have been achieved with the convention of meetings among key stakeholders that included the Local Government, Public Works and national Housing ministry, the Infrastructural Development Bank of Zimbabwe and Sesani Projects, among others.

The latter was then tasked to do the feasibility studies and, subsequently, build the dam whose location is in Mhusekwa, some 40km south of Chitungwiza.