GWERU – Residents have been told to brace for more water rationing amid indications that water in the city’s three supply dams is fast headed for day zero.

This comes at a time when the pumping capacity has been reduced to 60 percent because of malfunctioning equipment.

Gwenoro Dam is 13% full, White waters is at 17% while Amapongokwe is at 33%.

Highlying suburbs like Ascot, Harben Park, Mkoba 14,15, 18 and 21 have gone for over four months without water.

Low-lying ones which used to get constant supply of water are now getting water for about 48 hours a week.

In his state of the city address at Town House Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said Gweru is facing continuous water shortages.

He added the city has been forced to adopt a strict water rationing schedule.

Acute water shortages have resulted in the water levels dropping with Gwenoro recording 13 percent, Whitewaters recording 17percent and Amapongokwe 33 percent”,

“Before the water rationing was effected, the dam levels were already low. This situation will be further worsened by the hot dry spell which we are experiencing”,

“However, at least 80 percent of the population is getting water at least once or twice a week,” he said.

Clr Makombe urged residents to use water sparingly while following the water rationing schedule which he said is going to increase this season.

Makombe said that the low-lift pumps at Amapongokwe are down a development he said is worsening the water supply situation.

We have 60 boreholes which are also servicing some dry areas”,

“However, due to human conduct, some of the boreholes are continuously having challenges”,

“As your city father, I am urging our valued residents to ensure social distancing and World Health Organisation regulations to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19 at the boreholes,” said Clr Makombe.

The low-lift pumps bought by Government last year are malfunctioning, they are operating at 60 percent of their capacity.

Clr Makombe said council had contacted the suppliers of the pumps in South Africa who promised to bring new ones.

The pumps purchased by the Government last year have been malfunctioning as they are now working at about 60 percent pumping capacity. That affects water distribution to the residents. We contacted the suppliers and they are going to replace the pumps soon,” he said.

Gweru residents are now fetching for water from unprotected sources.

Government mooted that it will institute water audit in cities and towns this comes after indications that urban local authorities were losing 68 percent of treated water through dilapidated infrastructure.

Day zero is the day the municipal water supply will be shut down.

The trigger for day zero, might be a result of decommissioning of the city’s water supply when the amount of water in the reservoirs that service the cities drops below regulated capacity.

Credit: Midlands News

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