MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-In a move to boost cholera response efforts in hotspots areas, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has drilled 77 boreholes around the country to help alleviate the water and sanitation situation in communities.
This timely provision of safe water points underscores dedication to safeguarding public health and mitigating the impact of the devastating medieval disease outbreak.
ZINWA Head of corporate communications and marketing, Marjorie Manyonga said 38 boreholes have been drilled in Harare, 33 in Manicaland, 3 in Mashonaland West and 2 in Masvingo.
She told The Midweek Watch that the solarized and bush pumps boreholes are being drilled at health institutions, schools and villages in hotspots areas that includes Harare, Glendale and Mapanza in Chiredzi.
Adding that drilling of more boreholes is in progress across the country with at least 140 boreholes having already been surveyed and ready for drilling as at January 17, 2024.
“As part of its cholera response interventions, ZINWA is ensuring that there is minimal water supply disruptions in the areas it supplies potable water by ensuring that all water supply stations are adequately stocked with at least three months supply of water treatment chemicals.
“The Authority has also strengthened its water quality assurance function, ensuring that all treated water is subjected to frequent and rigorous tests at various points of production and distribution while it is also reducing its response time to breakdowns,” said Manyonga.
She said in Makonde District boreholes were drilled and equipped in Masoja, Dambarare and Kadyamatamba Villages.
With the water authority also putting in place a raft of measures and strategies to help prevent the outbreak and spread of cholera in the areas that it provides potable water.
Manyonga added that the water authority is working closely with other arms of government and agencies in the fight against cholera at provincial and district levels.
She highlighted that the authority “is also stockpiling critical plant spares to help reduce stations’ downtime”.
ZINWA provides potable water to small towns, growth points and rural service centers.
