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BULAWAYO — The city council has admitted that its water quality has been compromised by the now-frequent breakdown of its pumping system.
Amen Mpofu, the deputy mayor told a full council meeting on Wednesday that council was inundated with complaints from residents over the deteriorating quality of water.
He was contributing to debate on a report by council’s Future Water Supplies and Water Situation committee highlighting the worsening water shortages especially in high-lying areas.
“There have been numerous complaints about the water that we have been supplying to the residents,” Mpofu said.
“I would like to urge this council to note that the water is at times brown and dirty.
“Residents have said it takes quite some time for the water to clear with the substances in it taking time to settle down.”
He said residents were only using the water because they had no alternative.
The mayor Thaba Moyo blamed this on the constant breakdown of pumping equipment at the council’s water works.
He said frequent power cuts by Zesa were also partly responsible for the situation.
“The reason for that type of water is that our systems break down every now and then,” he said.
“When the systems are brought back on line, they will naturally pump water even with the substances that are dragged in.”
“We need to replace and rehabilitate our infrastructure and more broadly, we need to find an international partner who will assist us revamp our system.”
The country’s second largest city is facing a serious water shortage again this year after its four supply dams recorded insignificant inflows this season.
BY NKULULEKO SIBANDA
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