Harare suburb battles severe sewage crisis

Residents of Fountain Blue in Kuwadzana, Harare, have raised alarm over a decade-long struggle to access proper sewage facilities, citing land disputes and alleged encroachment by neighbouring Parkridge stands as major obstacles.

In 2016, households in the suburb contributed US$120 each toward the construction of a sewer system, but the project has yet to materialise. As a result, many residents rely on septic tanks, while others continue to use Blair toilets, prompting growing frustration.

The crisis deepened when Fountain Blue residents discovered that their planned sewer line route had been occupied by stands developed by the Parkridge Housing Consortium, some of which were constructed on wetland areas near a stream.

Tendai Mazuru, a resident since 2012 and chairperson of the Fountain Blue Housing Scheme, expressed concern over the health risks posed by the situation.

"We built our homes with hope, but now we are living with sewage flowing in our yards. We need urgent intervention before we experience cholera outbreaks," Mazuru said.

Residents have faced repeated delays and conflicting information. Initially, the sewer line was meant to connect to the Herbert Chitepo area, but later plans shifted it to Mazai Sewage Treatment Works. Mazuru said the new developments by Parkridge have now blocked any feasible route for the project.

Lucia Mapfumo, another resident, highlighted the financial burden caused by relying on septic tanks.

"When it rains, the ground gets too wet and our septic tanks fill up quickly. We are forced to pay US$80 every month to have them emptied," Mapfumo said. "We built our homes with hope, but now we are living like villagers with Blair toilets in a city suburb. Authorities must intervene before disaster strikes."

The Environmental Management Act prohibits the disposal of waste into public streams or water bodies without a licence, raising concerns over potential legal and environmental violations if the sewer line were routed near the stream.

Charles Matsika, chairperson of the Parkridge Housing Consortium, defended the development, noting that the stands were established in 2018 and asserting that efforts were underway to find an alternative route for Fountain Blue's sewer system.

"We are in the process of finding an alternative route for their sewer system. Our stands are legal, hence we cannot be blamed," Matsika said.

However, Fountain Blue residents dismissed these claims, arguing that the only available route would pass dangerously close to the stream, which is prohibited by law.

Efforts to get a comment from Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama were unsuccessful, despite assurances that the municipality would investigate the matter.

The situation in Fountain Blue highlights a broader challenge facing Harare, as outdated sewer infrastructure struggles to meet the demands of a growing population, increasing the risk of blockages and public health hazards.