Sewer bursts irks Councillors in Bulawayo

Rampant sewer pipes burst in Bulawayo have irked Councillors who expressed concerns over possibility of diseases out break if the problem  is not abated.

Councillors raised raised concern on the number of sewer bursts in his ward according to latest council minutes.

"Most of these sewer bursts were as a result of residents who were deliberately blocking main holes. He wanted to know if there was any way these main hole covers could be locked or properly secured. He also sought clarification on the grant for water and sanitation that Council had secured sometime last year from the AFDB. Had the funds been utilised?" reads the minutes in part.

"In response, Councillor Mlandu  Ncube explained that Council was attending to all sewer blockages. He said that most of the responsibility lay with Councillors and Civil Societies to educate people about the blocking main holes. In addition to that, there was no need to understand that most of Council's infrastructure had deteriorated over a long period, however Council was working tirelessly to repair the burst sewers."

Councillor Silas Chigora felt that there was need to appreciate that it took time for sewer bursts to be attended to.

He confirmed that Council had received a grant from the AFDB. Councillors had also undertaken a site visit to Saurcetown, at the Deep Tunnel to have an appreciation of what was happening.

"The sewer lines were being attended to through the grant Council had received," reads the minutes.