'Allow Gwanda to run its water affairs'

Gwanda Municipality should be allowed to administer its water system if it has the capacity do so as this will address the high cost of the commodity and bring an end to the perennial water problems faced in the town.

This was said by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Engineer George Mlilo.

In a bid to arrest the ballooning debt owed by the municipality, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has been rationing supplies in the town.

However, pumping water for only six hours instead of 18 hours a day has seen over 20 000 people in the high-lying areas going for almost two months without the precious liquid.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with council management and the city fathers, Engineer Mlilo said if the local authority has the capacity to run its water affairs, ZINWA should hand over the treatment plant to council.

A committee has since been constituted to engage the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate and find a lasting solution to the current impasse.

Some Gwanda residents have been drawing water from unprotected water sources such as Manzamnyama and Mtshabezi rivers while others have resorted to relieving themselves in the bush.

Some of the key institutions affected by the water crisis include Gwanda provincial hospital, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic and the New Government Complex that houses most civil servants.