News / National
Chitungwiza Mayor vows to tackle sewer crisis
31 May 2025 at 13:42hrs | Views
Chitungwiza Mayor Rosaria Mangoma has declared solving the town's long-standing sewerage problems as her legacy goal, as she rallies support under the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) to enhance data-driven project management.
Speaking during the 497th Ordinary Meeting of the Municipality of Chitungwiza held on Thursday, Mayor Mangoma said her council had formally adopted the goal as part of the AMALI Data Programme, which aims to support African mayors in tackling service delivery challenges through effective data usage.
"Since the council adopted this goal, we have held two online meetings with the AMALI team, including one earlier today," said Clr Mangoma. "A key point to note is that this programme will not provide funding for sewer works, but will help us gather the data we need to set funding targets and manage our projects more effectively."
She commended AMALI for its support, noting that improved data use would significantly enhance sewer rehabilitation projects that have been hampered by delays.
"Delays are frustrating for our residents who sometimes experience worsening conditions while waiting for solutions. We must do better," she said.
Mangoma cited two major ongoing sewer infrastructure projects — the Seke and Zengesa outfall upgrades — as central to her administration's efforts to end the sewer crisis.
"If completed successfully, these projects will significantly reduce sewer bursts in our town," she said.
The mayor also acknowledged tangible progress made in recent weeks, including the laying of new pipes across a sewer line along Chaminuka Drive in St Mary's, and road rehabilitation works at the Chinembiri intersection near Makoni.
"In the area known as PaChiweshe, the works department has begun road rehabilitation. I commend their efforts," she added. "However, I remain concerned about the slow pace of implementation. Many of our projects take far too long to complete, and we must push for timely delivery."
Mayor Mangoma confirmed that the AMALI team is expected to visit Chitungwiza next month to tour the sewer rehabilitation project sites, as part of the initiative's ongoing technical support to the municipality.
Chitungwiza, one of Zimbabwe's most populous urban areas, has battled chronic sewer blockages and infrastructure decay for years, with residents often raising concerns over public health and poor service delivery.
Speaking during the 497th Ordinary Meeting of the Municipality of Chitungwiza held on Thursday, Mayor Mangoma said her council had formally adopted the goal as part of the AMALI Data Programme, which aims to support African mayors in tackling service delivery challenges through effective data usage.
"Since the council adopted this goal, we have held two online meetings with the AMALI team, including one earlier today," said Clr Mangoma. "A key point to note is that this programme will not provide funding for sewer works, but will help us gather the data we need to set funding targets and manage our projects more effectively."
She commended AMALI for its support, noting that improved data use would significantly enhance sewer rehabilitation projects that have been hampered by delays.
"Delays are frustrating for our residents who sometimes experience worsening conditions while waiting for solutions. We must do better," she said.
Mangoma cited two major ongoing sewer infrastructure projects — the Seke and Zengesa outfall upgrades — as central to her administration's efforts to end the sewer crisis.
"If completed successfully, these projects will significantly reduce sewer bursts in our town," she said.
The mayor also acknowledged tangible progress made in recent weeks, including the laying of new pipes across a sewer line along Chaminuka Drive in St Mary's, and road rehabilitation works at the Chinembiri intersection near Makoni.
"In the area known as PaChiweshe, the works department has begun road rehabilitation. I commend their efforts," she added. "However, I remain concerned about the slow pace of implementation. Many of our projects take far too long to complete, and we must push for timely delivery."
Mayor Mangoma confirmed that the AMALI team is expected to visit Chitungwiza next month to tour the sewer rehabilitation project sites, as part of the initiative's ongoing technical support to the municipality.
Chitungwiza, one of Zimbabwe's most populous urban areas, has battled chronic sewer blockages and infrastructure decay for years, with residents often raising concerns over public health and poor service delivery.
Source - Herald
