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Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
A Harare City Council electrician died yesterday morning at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment plant after a transformer he was working on developed an electrical fault and exploded in his face. The city is still investigating the cause of the fault, but assured residents that the accident was not going to affect water supplies.

The accident happened on Tuesday evening, but the electrician, Mr Pfudzai Chitiyo, died yesterday morning due to the injuries he sustained.

The city’s principal communications officer Mr Michael Chideme confirmed the accident, but could not shed more detail.

“I can confirm that our electrician Pfudzai Chitiyo died because of an accident at work,” he said. “Circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation. He is survived by his wife and three children.”

Human Resources and General Purposes chairperson Councillor Wellington Chikombo said the city was devastated by the death.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and workmates, particularly his family. Our hearts go out to them,” he said. “I remember last year, the day we paid a courtesy visit to Morton Jaffray as city fathers, Chitiyo was amongst our diligent employees at the production of the precious liquid.

“He was a wonderful man and a warm human being. I will remember him personally with great affection. He made his last breadth at work in his indefatigable effort of providing portable water to our residents. May his soul rest in peace.”

The city is undertaking a rehabilitation programme at water and sewer treatment plants, which include Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward water works.

The programme, which is being financed through funding from the $144 million China Exim bank loan and the $9,5 million Zimfund Phase 1 grant, commenced in 2013 and is set to run until 2016.

A report on Harare’s water situation which was released by Harare Water last year showed progress in the water and sewer rehabilitation project.

Water production at Morton Jaffray increased by 100 mega-litres per day, bringing the plant’s total daily production to 500 mega-litres per day.

The pumping availability at Morton Jaffray has also been increased by two pumps, while the pump reliability at Prince Edward has been improved to 100 percent capacity.

The bulk flow measurement was now available at 100 percent, while water dosing plant availability has been improved by 60 percent.

Water losses through leakages have been reduced by 50 mega-litres from 140 mega-litres per day, thereby improving water mobility by 25 percent.