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Herald Reporter
Residents of Norton’s privately-owned residential areas, which have been without running water for more than 20 years, face the spectre of disease outbreaks as raw sewage has become commonplace. Private land developers are largely accused of failing to provide on-site and off-site infrastructure for residential areas.

Residents in Marindale, Marshland, Johannesburg, Damofalls and Knowe have resorted to using shallow wells, which are worryingly close to poorly constructed septic tanks. Raw sewage also flows in the areas, raising fears of contaminating drinking water.

Out of an estimated population of 85 000 people, only 10 000 people have access to safe water, with the most affected staying in high-density suburbs. Norton Town Council’s Engineer Best Maramba said the local authority was aware of the problem.

“It is true there is no water for new developments in Norton. We get water from the City of Harare, a maximum of 5,8 megalitres a day against an estimated demand of 15 megalitres a day,” he said.

“Developers are then required to connect to our water system. Our water flows by gravity; therefore, it does not reach higher areas or areas further away from the reservoirs.”

Eng Maramba said the local authority had last year engaged consultants for designing a treatment plant, associated works and a water master plan for the town to budget for future developments.

“With these consultants, we did an expression of interest, inviting partners in the construction of the treatment plant. We have shortlisted companies who will compete in final bidding for the project,” he said.

“Our own treatment plant is a priority for this year. The work will also include rehabilitation and improvements in the existing reticulation system to cater for deficiencies that were observed.”