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Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Water shortages compounded by the breakdown of boreholes and a receding water table in the arid Sanyati area have seen humans and animals using water polluted by hazardous chemicals.

Some of the existing dams were destroyed by incessant rains that hit the country in the 2016 /17 season. Cattle have died due to shortage of water and also drinking water contaminated by hazardous substances such as cyanide, which is widely used by gold panners. Chief Neuso said there was need for more boreholes in the Neuso and Hozheri areas.

“We have already started seeing cattle dying and we suspect it could be a combination of drinking contaminated water from the few sources while in some instances it is because there is no water,” he said. “Some of the dams in my area were destroyed by the heavy rains and that has created a problem for our cattle.”

Chief Neuso pleaded for more dams and repair of the damaged ones in his area. District Development Fund provincial coordinator Mr Erikano Chikande said resources were a challenge, but efforts would be made to address the situation. Sanyati district administrator Mr Amigo Mhlanga said the dry season was affecting the area.

“People are looking for water for various purposes, including artisanal miners who discharge chemicals such as cyanide into water bodies,” he said. “As a result, animals are dying because of cyanide.” Most boreholes in the area are broken down and people have to walk long distances and queue to get water.

Small rivers have already dried up and there have been calls to find ways of drawing water from perennial Munyati and Mupfure rivers. The only reliable source of water is Seke Dam where there is Seke Irrigation scheme, but people in the area say the water is not safe for drinking.

“We would ideally need dams in the area, but because of the type of soils and high temperatures, the dams will dry up quickly,” he said.