Sewer crisis at Zanu-PF MP's house

The urban residence of Zanu-PF Member of Parliament for Zaka South, Clemence Chiduwa, has become a symbol of deteriorating infrastructure as raw sewage continues to flood his Hillside property unchecked.

Chiduwa, a former deputy minister of finance and economic development, shares the house with his wife, Fungai Maregedze, who also serves as the chairperson of the Zaka Rural District Council (RDC). Despite their political influence, the couple has been forced to endure the worsening conditions as Masvingo City Council remains unresponsive.

The sewage, now spreading to neighboring properties, has raised alarm among residents, with several individuals reportedly exhibiting symptoms of typhoid, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness.

"Several people in this street have been complaining of running stomachs, vomiting, and weak joints. Some have sought medical attention at local clinics, where they are suspected to have contracted typhoid. We urge the council's health department to act swiftly," a concerned resident told TellZim News.

Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe, when contacted, claimed he was unaware of the situation but assured that his engineering team would address the sewer burst promptly.

"I was not aware of the situation but have forwarded it to the engineering department so they will attend to it soon," Tabe stated.

According to local sources, the sewer problem has persisted for nearly three weeks, with no action taken by authorities. Attempts to get a comment from Chiduwa were unsuccessful, as he redirected questions to a journalist from another media house. However, his wife, Maregedze, confirmed the dire situation.

"The situation is like this every year when it rains, but council has failed to find a permanent solution. As of now, it has been like this for more than three weeks, and no action has been taken," said Maregedze.

She attributed the issue to the outdated sewer system, stating, "The sewer line was designed for a limited number of households, but with the population increasing tenfold, the pipes are overwhelmed, resulting in these recurrent problems."

Godfrey Mutimba, spokesperson for the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA), emphasized the need for lasting solutions.

"We urge city council to upgrade the sewer reticulation system to accommodate the growing population. Failure to do so will continue to put residents at risk of severe health issues," said Mutimba.

Meanwhile, Masvingo City Health and Environmental Services Director Suzane Madamombe denied any recorded or suspected typhoid cases in the city but urged residents to visit council clinics if they exhibit symptoms.

"We have not recorded any confirmed or suspected typhoid cases. However, I encourage residents to report to any of our clinics if they suspect an infection so that proper tests can be conducted," said Madamombe.

As the situation persists, residents remain anxious, hoping for a swift response from the local authorities before the crisis worsens.