MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU- More than 100 meters of the main water line supplying Gweru City from the Gwenhoro reservoir have been vandalized by resettled farmers living along the pipeline, resulting in a 40% loss of treated water due to leaks and theft.
Speaking during a Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) engagement meeting, Gweru City Council Deputy Director of Finance Owen Masimba said the council is struggling with non-revenue water losses, which are significantly impacting the local authority’s financial position.
To address the challenge, Masimba said the council plans to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the city’s water and sewer infrastructure needs before undertaking necessary upgrades.
The study will determine Gweru’s exact daily water requirements and make projections for future growth.
“The study will analyze water demand, treatment capacity, and sewage treatment infrastructure to identify gaps and inform sustainable strategies for improving water delivery and sanitation,” Masimba explained.
Gweru’s water supply system, which relies on the Gwenhoro and other dams built between 1952 and 1957, is struggling to keep up with the growing population’s needs.
The water treatment plant was designed to supply 63 megalitres per day, but the council is currently only able to pump 35-45 megalitres daily, while the estimated requirement is over 100 megalitres.
“Our estimates suggest that Gweru requires between 120 and 130 megalitres per day, as we supply water to suburbs outside our boundaries, such as Raylands, Woodlands, and Tatenda Park,” Masimba said.
In addition, the sewer treatment infrastructure also in need of improvement, with the current plant only able to process 17 megalitres daily.
All these ambitious development plans have been included in the city’s 2025 financial plan as its water and sewer infrastructure has deteriorated, struggling to keep up with the population’s growing demands.
