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MDC concerned about water challenges
Movement for Democratic Change
November 06, 2012

Water is central to life and without it, numerous problems arise chief among them being disease outbreaks. The country in recent times has experienced these diseases which include cholera and typhoid both of which are caused by inadequate supplies of clean water and poor hygiene.

The MDC is determined to make sure that the water situation in the country improves by ensuring that all its councils are doing everything they can to solve water woes.

In line with the above, the MDC applauds the Minister of Finance, Hon Tendai Biti for the recent allocation of funds to the tune of $500 000 as a stop gap measure to solve the water woes in Bulawayo. This is a commendable move which will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the people of Bulawayo.

Water shortages have plagued many parts of the country, including the capital, Harare. Years of neglect and corruption under ZANU PF rule and a growing urban population have all combined to create the current water problems that plague Zimbabwe. Taking Harare as an example, the capital now has about 5 million people while Bulawayo has between 1.5 to 1.6 million. The current infrastructure was built to serve only 600,000 people in both cities. This clearly demonstrates lack of planning and vision on the part of ZANU PF for the past 32 years.

The MDC through its minister Hon Sipepa Nkomo has successfully negotiated a deal that will help increase Bulawayo's supply of clean water from 5,000 cubic litres to 15,000 daily from just one dam. This will supply at least 20% of Bulawayo's daily consumption needs. The 110 boreholes that were not working are currently being rehabilitated which will also help alleviate the water woes.

The MDC notes that the Mtshabezi-Umzingwane pipeline that is largely viewed as the short-term solution to Bulawayo's water problems has missed many completion deadlines. The party believes that the permanent solution Bulawayo's water shortages is the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water project, which has been on the drawing board for 100 years.

Harare on the other hand just needs the entire aged infrastructure especially in high density suburbs repaired and upgraded.

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