Zimpapers Logo

Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Correspondent
HARARE’s water supply situation is set to improve as rehabilitation works at Morton Jaffray have begun in earnest following Government’s injection of $37,4 million and set deadlines for the completion of the project, an official said yesterday.

The funds from Government will facilitate the completion of Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant, overhaul of the water distribution network, sewer reticulation system upgrade and installation of 8 000 residential prepaid meters.
Harare mayor Herbert Gomba yesterday said the deadlines set by Government were attainable and work was progressing smoothly.

“We are currently working on the filters and clarification of which we are on target in terms of the phase one,” he said.
Government allocated $495 000 for phase one of the project rehabilitation of the Morton Jaffray clarifiers which should be completed within two months and $296 000 for filters (three months).

The second phase of the project is targeting water distribution for Harare which is battling high water losses, with $20 million being allocated for pipe replacement extending to 10 kilometres within six months and an additional $10 million being availed for repair of burst pipes within one month.

Government is also availing $4,7 million for installation of 8 000 domestic household meters in four months.
Cllr Gomba said water had been restored to some parts of the city following repairs to a pipe that had broken down.
“Water supply was hampered by a huge pipe to Lochinvar which broke down, but we are on course,” he said. “The areas that were affected include Glen View, Glen Norah, Budiriro and Mufakose, but they are now receiving water.”

Zimbabwe Combined Residents and Ratepayers Association executive president Mr McStephen Nyabvure praised Government for its intervention.

“The water issue was actually a thorn in the flesh for our local authorities and Government’s move to chip in is highly commendable,” he said.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube recently said it was important for Government to intervene given the deteriorating sanitation situation in Harare.