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Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Gweru City Council is set to procure two new water pumps for Gwenhoro and Whitewaters pumping stations as residents endure erratic supplies which expose them to water-borne diseases. The situation is dire in Mkoba and Nehosho high-density suburbs.

Gweru Mayor Councillor Charles Chikozho said plans were at an advanced stage to buy two new water pumps and improve the pumping capacity at the two main sources of water.

“We have set aside funds to procure new bigger pumps for Gwenhoro and Whitewaters to replace the ageing pumps and pipes, which are negatively affecting the water supply situation,” he said.

Councillor Chikozho said they have already started the procurement process. He said old pipes frequently bursted and council was losing millions of litres of treated water.

Last week, council director of engineering services Engineer Robson Manatsa issued a statement alerting residents that a major pump at Gwenhoro station had ceased.

“One of our big pumps at Gwenhoro waterworks station has ceased following a bearing failure. “This has reduced the amount of water we are pumping to the city significantly and will result in most high-lying areas not receiving water.

“Our fitter will assess the pump and we will advise you on the way forward,” he said.

The local authority’s pumping capacity currently stands at 60 megalitres per day. The erratic water supply situation in Gweru has caused panic in most parts of the city. Residents fear water-borne diseases.