Cowdray Park residents fear disease outbreaks amid sewer crisis

Residents of Bulawayo's Cowdray Park suburb have raised concerns over persistent sewer blockages and bursts, warning that the worsening sanitation crisis could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases if lasting solutions are not urgently implemented.

Raw sewage has become a common sight in parts of the high-density suburb, creating foul odours, environmental pollution and growing public health risks for residents.

Local resident Kelvin Sibindi said recurring sewer bursts continue to affect the community despite repeated reports to the local authority.

"The problem keeps coming back," he said.

"Council teams respond, but after a short while pipes burst again. Improper waste disposal by some residents is contributing, but we need a permanent solution."

Ward 28 councillor Ntando Ndlovu acknowledged residents' frustrations, saying council teams are responding to reported incidents while efforts are underway to address the underlying causes of the problem.

"Some sections of Cowdray Park experience more frequent chokes due to ageing infrastructure and increased pressure from population growth," Ndlovu said.

He explained that inconsistent water supplies also contribute to the sewer challenges, as sewer systems require sufficient water flow to maintain self-cleansing mechanisms and prevent blockages.

Ndlovu urged residents to avoid disposing of solid waste such as plastics, towels and other non-biodegradable materials into the sewer network, noting that such practices significantly increase the likelihood of sewer chokes and overflows.

Although no cholera outbreak has been reported in the suburb, he said authorities remain on high alert and continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Residents living near affected areas say the persistent sewage spills have become a daily concern, with many worried about the health risks posed to children who often play close to contaminated pools of wastewater.

They argue that temporary repairs are no longer sufficient and are calling on the local authority to invest in durable infrastructure upgrades that will permanently resolve the problem.

Ndlovu said the council remains committed to implementing both immediate interventions and long-term improvements to sewer infrastructure in Cowdray Park, one of Bulawayo's fastest-growing suburbs.

For many residents, however, meaningful progress cannot come soon enough, as continued sewage spills threaten public health, the environment and overall quality of life in the community.