Gweru pleads for govt aid as water crisis worsens

Gweru City Council requested government support to resolve water shortages caused by aging infrastructure from the 1950s and frequent electricity outages. Residents endured three days without supplies last week, and many collected water from contaminated sources after taps dried up. The crisis began when the main pipeline from Gwenhoro treatment works burst under pressure from deteriorating pipes.

Ward 13 Councillor Augustine Mutusva told officials at the 718th Ordinary Council meeting that the city needs a dedicated power line for the treatment plant, and he said modernization is essential for the strained system. Daily demand exceeds 65 megaliters, but the facility pumps only 40 megaliters. Power cuts limit operations to six hours before interruptions resume.

The water network serves expanded areas beyond its original 1957 design capacity. Council allocated funds for new pumps in the 2026 budget, but Mutusva said immediate relief depends on external assistance, and continuous electricity would help high-altitude neighborhoods without service.