Health concerns are mounting in Pumula’s Ward 17 as unattended burst sewer pipes continue spilling, prompting residents to warn of potential disease outbreaks.
The community voiced its fears during a meeting hosted by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) this Wednesday, citing the heightened vulnerability of children.
The residents bemoaned that despite numerous complaints to the local authority, there is no swift response to address the issue.
Recently, Pumula had an outbreak of diarrhea, affecting a significant number of residents, after their clean water was contaminated by sewer water as a result of leaking pipes.
Affected residents were given free medical treatment at the local clinic.
“We are greatly concerned as a community by the unattended sewer hotspots in our community. There are several burst sewers and despite engaging the community leaders, there hasn’t been any intervention,” complained a resident who identified himself as Msimanga.
“We do appreciate that there are community sweepers who come here frequently to tidy up the area, but our worst fear is for our children.
“There is perennial running sewerage in our community. When children are playing outside they care less to take precautions. They subside when there is no water but resume when water is reconnected.”
Msimanga further complained about the environmental pollution resulting from open air worship.
“We are grateful that you took note of our request to attend to open air worship. These people leave our bushes messy,” he said.
“We hope they will register their churches like everyone else so they can have decent and hygienic places to pray. Some even spend nights in the bush, where do they relieve themselves?”
Another resident, Tenson Sibanda, called on the city council to attend to the poor roads in the area.
He said the council had received reports prior and did some work but they did not complete.
“We saw that you brought sand and fixed part of the dilapidated parts of the road but some parts are still impassable.
“If it is an issue of strained resources, perhaps the council could consider dumping some sand and as residents we arrange ourselves and spread it out. The rains are here now and our cars will be greatly affected.”