Delegates at the Water Conference in the Harare told the media, yesterday, of a resolution to secure a declaration of a disaster. It was in regard to the Metropolitan Province’s WASH sector with worries that the dwindling water levels and bad raw water quality will affect the ability of the capital city to deliver sufficient potable water.
Stakeholders are concerned by the dwindling raw water levels and pollution in water sources and bodies like Lake Chivero. Moreso, a wide range of challenges facing residents in Harare Metropolitan Province according to the Community Water Alliance coordinator, Hardlife Mudzingwa.
“We want to secure a declaration for disaster regarding the Metropolitan province’s WASH sector,” Mudzingwa said.
“The conditions or the situation at the moment when it comes to water, sanitation and hygiene in the metropolitan province is beyond the confines of the local authorities and the interventions of all.”
Besides securing a declaration of disaster, delegates to the Water Conference also proposed a resolution. The City of Harare will need to invest in research and development of water-efficient WASH technologies to guide improvements and expansion system.
The Harare City Council will also set up and implement water rationing. As well as other conservation strategies including retrofitting user-level water-dispensing infrastructure and installing appropriate water meters.
“It (HCC) will broaden raw water sources including expediting construction of Kunzvi, Musami, Mazoe, Muda dams and any viable acquifers outside the Harare Metropolitan area as part of the strategies like mobile treatment plants in distribution zones,” Mudzingwa said.
One other resolution is to also constitute a Working Committee guide and monitor implementation of short, medium and long term water supply and development plans in Harare Metropolitan area.
The Community Water Alliance coordinator said that delegates are aware of the critical challenges facing the City of Harare. They are real and have occurred over time. Therefore, they require comprehensive efforts involving all stakeholders in the public, civil society, and private sectors.
The delegates also acknowledge citizens’ inalienable right to life, clean water, health and clean environment as provided for in the constitution.
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