Gwanda sewer pipe bursts raise concerns

Gwanda residents have raised concerns over unattended sewer pipe bursts in the Spitzkop area, warning that the situation could pose a serious public health risk.

Residents said several sewer pipes near homes have remained burst for extended periods, resulting in unpleasant conditions and fears of a possible disease outbreak.

Collet Moyo told Southern Eye that residents had repeatedly engaged the local authority over the problem, but their concerns had not been adequately addressed.

"I have engaged the council over the issue, and they have always promised to come to our rescue but to no avail," Moyo said.

She said the conditions had become so bad that residents were being forced to wear masks because of the stench.

"Whether the system has collapsed, it's not normal that we have to wear masks every day. We now fear a disease outbreak in this area," she said.

Moyo also questioned whether residents could be expected to continue paying their council bills when basic services such as sewer management were not being adequately provided.

"For me to be motivated to pay bills, issues like sewer management must be addressed," she said.

However, Gwanda mayor Thulani Moyo said the situation was under control, without providing further details on measures being taken to address the reported sewer bursts.