Mnangagwa sucked into a controversy

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sucked into a controversy after it emerged that he commissioned a water reservoir for the Hobhouse high density suburb although he knew it was non-functional.

The Mayor of Mutare, Tatenda Nhamarare, came clean on the topic following immense pressure from irate residents demanding answers as to why perennial water shortages in the area continued despite the commissioning of the reservoir.

"There was general confusion regarding the commissioning of the tank. Yes, the tank was commissioned by vice president Emerson Mnangagwa, but that does not mean that after commissioning the tank, that water would be available," said the mayor.

"Due to the high demand and the nature of the vice president's office, his time is very limited. We could not stop him from coming to visit Mutare by telling him to delay his trip until water was available. He had limited time to come here," he added.

Residents of Hobhouse said they were concerned that the VP travelled 275 km from Harare to give them false hope, knowing full well that the water tank he was commissioning was not ready to start operating.

Mnangagwa commissioned the $9,10 million water reservoir in February. The project was funded by the Africa Development Bank with the funds administered under Zimfund. Residents may have to wait until May to get any water.

"At the moment water is not readily available to Hobhouse residents simply because the contractor engaged by government hasn't finalised everything. They are now doing final touches and we are hopeful that before May water will be available to the people of Hobhouse," said Nhamarare.

But investigations by The Zimbabwean revealed that pipes connecting the reservoir to the residential area have not yet been installed.

The indications are that Hobhouse residents might have to endure longer dry spells than those predicted while the project awaits vital equipment imported from India. This is likely to delay the installation process even further.

Water shortages have become the order of the day in Mutare with Hobhouse being the hardest hit. Other areas that face serious water challenges include NatView, Zimta Park, Chikanga, Dangamvura, Dreamhouse, Destiny high density suburbs and Gimboki South Housing Scheme.

These water shortages continue despite the fact that Mutare enjoys the best water supplies in the country from the Pungwe and Odzani Rivers.