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Sukoluhle Ndlovu Midlands Correspondent
Zvishavane is experiencing a water crisis, with some suburbs going for more than five days without supplies because there is no electricity at Ngezi Waterworks.

The situation has forced many residents to turn to unprotected water sources, exposing them to water-borne diseases.

The most affected areas are Mandava, Platinum Park, Eastlea and Kandodo.

In an interview yesterday, Zvishavane town secretary Mr Tinoda Mukutu confirmed the issue.

“I can confirm that we are having water challenges in Zvishavane at the moment because there is no electricity at our Ngezi waterworks after some poles were damaged by heavy winds,” he said.

Mr Mukutu said Zimbabwe Electricity transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is working tirelessly to correct the situation.

“For now ZETDC personnel are working flat out to repair the damaged poles that were destroyed by heavy winds recently,” he said. “We hope the problem will be solved very soon and that the situation will be back to normal.”

In an interview, a resident Mr Tawanda Sibanda of Mandava suburb said the situation was dire.

“If the council doesn’t act immediately, there could be an outbreak of diseases like cholera and typhoid,” he said.

“Residents are forced to walk long distances to fetch water from unprotected sources, exposing themselves to a serious health hazard. We appeal to council to resolve the situation quickly.”

The mining town has been rapidly growing due to the establishment of Midlands State University (MSU) and a number of mining companies.