24 March 2009  

Water is fundamental for life and health. The human right to water is indispensable for leading a healthy life in human dignity. It is a pre-requisite to the realization of all other human rights. (UN, Environment News Service, 27 Nov 02)

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) joins the nation and the rest of the world in observing the World Water Day (March 22), a day set aside to focus attention on the importance and availability of clean water and advocating for effective management of water resources.

 The day comes at a time when Harare (and Zimbabwe as a whole) is facing acute water shortages which have sparked the worst cholera outbreak ever that has claimed more than 4000 lives countrywide. ZINWA’s ineffective water management in Harare culminated in acute shortages of clean water which resulted in the Cholera outbreak in Harare (Budiriro and Glen View being the most affected) and other cities and subsequently plunged the whole country into one of the largest public health crisis of our time. The 2009 World Water Day coincides with the undesirable water crisis persisting in the city of Harare as delay and uncertainty mars the smooth transfer of water from Zinwa to the City Council.

While the general causes of the world water crisis include climate and geography, lack of proper water systems and infrastructure, high levels of arsenic and fluoride in drinking water; the water crisis in Harare is arguably an issue of dire mismanagement. The city’s water supply system is marred with burst water pipes as a result of the obsolete water equipment that is poorly maintained. The pumping stations are reportedly in a dilapidated state, water purification chemicals are in short supply and this is against the background that Harare water is heavily polluted.  Residents in parts of Mabvuku-Tafara, Masasa Park, Mandara, and Glen Lorne last received water more than a year ago and continue to live without access to clean water. The majority of residents in these and other areas continue to fetch water from unprotected sources.

With this year’s theme being “shared water- shared opportunities”, the new government has the opportunity to strike partnerships with Countries like Zambia (which shares the Kariba Basin with Zimbabwe) so as to work together in creating effective and sustainable water management systems. This will, in the long run, enhance the accessibility of clean water to residents.  CHRA believes that the incessant cholera outbreaks and other related problems can only be effectively dealt with if the water problems obtaining in the city and country are solved.

The Association appreciates the great work that has been/is being done by various NGOs in trying to alleviate the water shortages in Harare. However, the permanent solution to this water problem is a complete overhaul of the obsolete water infrastructure and the setting up of proper and effective water management systems so as to guard against incidences of corruption and mismanagement. The Association will continue to advocate for quality, effective and affordable municipal (and other) services on a professional and non-partisan basis.