Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporter
Preparations for the implementation of a US$30 million Small Towns Water and Sanitation Programme expected to improve water supply and sewage systems in 14 towns in the country are now at an advanced stage, a Unicef official says.Unicef Zimbabwe spokesperson Mr Victor Chinyama told The Herald that his organisation was in the process of vetting contractors, finalising technical assessments and preparing individual town projects which would lead to an improved operational capacity and efficiency of piped water supply and sewage systems in the target towns.

“Programmes of this magnitude demand a heavy investment in the preparatory phase, meaning the tendering and contractual processes, together with the technical assessments and formulation of projects for individual towns,” he said.

“According to our work plan, we should commence implementation of works in the second quarter of 2014 and the overall goal of the Small Towns Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme is to reduce the burden of water-borne diseases.”

The US$30 million project was launched in February this year and will provide support to 14 local authorities namely Bindura, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chivhu, Gokwe, Gwanda, Hwange, Karoi, Mutoko, Mvurwi, Plumtree, Rusape, Shurugwi and Zvishavane.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.