By Providence Moyo
New Magwegwe residents particularly areas called ‘ama 28’ and ‘ama 13‘ have gone for three weeks without water coming out of their taps. Residents say they have been living with open taps hoping that the precious liquid will one day come out but the hope is still yet to be fulfilled. Residents argue that the current situation is exposing them to waterborne diseases and security threats as they wake up during the night to check their taps as a way of making sure they do not lose any drop in case water comes.
The situation is the same for Number 6 residents who have resorted to swamps as alternative water sources with some residents raising health issues over such. Beyond, This is not a unique challenge but a reflection of challenges faced by high density residents in the country. Beyond just Magwegwe, which is in Bulawayo, the situation persists for those in Harare and Chintungwiza. In some neighborhoods, Magwegwe fares better because communities have gone for years with no access to municipal water. The resultant health risks such as water borne diseases from unclean sources are concerning.
In conclusion, a reminder that Section 77: “Every person has a right to – safe, clean and potable water…and the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to it , to achieve the progressive realisation of this right.”
Image source: BuStop TV
