Govt turns to foreign help to end urban water woes

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ZIMBABWE is now looking beyond its borders for investors in the water sector, in a bid to find a lasting solution to the water crisis faced by the country.

ZIMBABWE is now looking beyond its borders for investors in the water sector, in a bid to find a lasting solution to the water crisis faced by the country.

Report by Musa Dube

The country’s major cities Harare and Bulawayo are currently grappling with a water crisis that has seen residents going for a long time without the precious liquid.

Minister of Water Resources Development and Management, Samuel Sipepa Nkomo said the government was failing to provide water to consumers due to limited resources and challenged local and international investors to consider investing in water management systems in the country.

Sipepa Nkomo said there was about US$2 billion worth of viable investments in the water sector.

“There are 23 water projects in the country to the tune of US$2 billion that are in need of financing.

“We have various models of ownership that we can discuss with prospective financiers.

“I encourage investors to identify the projects of interest and engage my ministry,” he said in Bulawayo at the Zimbabwe Water Investment Conference.

“Cooperation is desired for dam construction, staff development, technical assistance and demand management initiatives particularly in urban areas.

“All we need are willing partners and we will ensure maximum returns on investments.”

Nkomo said in the National Water Policy the government intended to attract private capital in the water management sector.

“Water is a viable enterprise. I have travelled the length and breadth of Africa and have seen viable private water management schemes that have commendable support mechanisms for the poor in society,” he said.

Nkomo said despite financial challenges, his ministry in collaboration with Zinwa and cooperating partners is currently undertaking a number of water projects throughout the country.