Chitungwiza seals contaminated borehole

News
Chitungwiza municipality has decommissioned a controversial borehole after tests proved that the water was contaminated.

By Phyllis Mbanje

Chitungwiza municipality has decommissioned a controversial borehole after tests proved that the water was contaminated.

This followed a public outcry from residents in the town who were agitating for the closure of the borehole situated at a preschool.

An independent community group carried out an assessment, which showed that the water was contaminated with E. coli bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals.

Some strains of E. coli bacteria may cause severe anaemia or kidney failure, which can lead to death. Other strains of E. coli can cause urinary tract infections or other infections.

“The borehole has since been decommissioned. We put the safety and health of our residents first,” said Chitungwiza spokesperson Lovemore Meya.

The water situation in Chitungwiza remains dire and coupled with frequent burst sewers, a potential health disaster is looming.

Many are now relying on other water sources which are mostly unsafe.

Residents have resorted to digging up wells in their backyards, a situation which is very conducive to waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera.

Last year, over 50 people succumbed to cholera following an outbreak in Glen View, which quickly spread to other densely populated areas.

The disease thrives in the absence of potable water and proper sanitation system.

Meanwhile, the water situation in Harare has worsened with many residential areas going for months without water as the city fathers battle to secure chemicals to treat the water.

Residents have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the issue.