Govt launches water relief business units in Mkoba suburb

The Government has launched two business units in Gweru's Mkoba 4 and Mkoba 20 suburbs as part of efforts to address the city's longstanding water challenges.

The initiative is aimed at easing the burden on households in Mkoba North, where residents have endured years of unreliable water supplies due to infrastructure limitations and dwindling raw water sources. The newly established units are expected to provide regular and reliable water to at least 1 000 households, bringing much-needed relief.

Gweru requires more than 65 megalitres of water daily, but the city council is currently only able to pump around 40 megalitres. This shortfall has resulted in rationing, leaving some suburbs without water for days at a time.

Commissioning the units yesterday, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, said the intervention demonstrates the Government's commitment to people-centred development.

"This event showcases the Second Republic's people-centric development programmes and projects which align with SDG pillar number six on clean water and sanitation as we journey towards an upper-middle-income society earlier than 2030," he said.

Gweru's water crisis has persisted for years, driven by ageing infrastructure, inadequate pumping capacity and falling water levels at Gwenoro, Amapongokwe and Whitewaters dams. The central Government's intervention is seen as a stopgap measure, pending long-term infrastructure upgrades.

Mkoba North legislator, Edgar Ncube, who lobbied for the project, said the move aligns with President Mnangagwa's vision of leaving no one and no place behind.

Local residents expressed relief, with Mr George Nyashanu noting that the project would allow families to establish small gardens, while Ms Agness Chuma said the development brought long-overdue recognition for the community.

Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko welcomed the launch, saying it would complement ongoing citywide infrastructure improvements.

"In the future, we hope to boost our water treatment capacity and expand distribution networks. We are adopting technologies to monitor and manage our water distribution. Together, we will continue to improve water provision as we work to enhance the quality of life of our residents," he said.