Communities across Zimbabwe are grappling with severe water shortages, ageing infrastructure and declining water quality, as frustration mounts over the government’s proposal to privatise water services.
The concerns were raised during the Matabeleland Water Indaba held in Bulawayo this week under the theme “Rethinking Sustainable Water Strategies for Matabeleland.” The Indaba was organised by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA).
Participants from across the country accused authorities of neglecting critical infrastructure and warned that privatisation could deepen inequality in access to water.
In Victoria Falls, resident Simon Ndlovu said the resort town’s daily water supply has become inadequate to meet the growing population’s needs.
“We have a prepaid water system and people are tired of it,” Ndlovu said. “The supply no longer matches residents’ needs. Some people cannot afford prepaid water, so it makes it hard for them to access the resource.”
The government has hinted at introducing private sector participation in water supply management, a move officials say could improve efficiency and reduce losses. However, critics argue that privatisation risks turning water into a commodity rather than a public good.
From Lupane, Thandeka Sibanda voiced concern over the poor quality of water supplied by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
“The population in Lupane is growing, but ZINWA provides poor quality water that is not healthy,” she said. “They don’t even announce when they cut off the water, leaving people stranded without notice.”
In Harare, where water woes have persisted for years, Combined Harare Residents Association director Precious Shumba said the capital’s water production had collapsed to less than half of its capacity due to old and leaking infrastructure.
“Water production should be 800 megalitres per day, but right now it’s only 350. Because of leakages, 60 percent of that water is lost before it reaches homes,” Shumba said. “The water that does come out is dirty, sometimes green in colour.”
The shortages have forced many urban and peri-urban residents to rely on unsafe wells and rivers, raising fears of another cholera outbreak as the rainy season approaches.
In Chitungwiza, Marvellous Khumalo said transparency remained a major challenge.
“Most of our water comes from Harare, and we have a population of one million people,” he said. “The government claims they will give us 15 megalitres of water, but we never know how much we are really getting because water is so scarce.”
Speakers at the Indaba called for stronger investment in sustainable infrastructure, improved accountability at ZINWA and local councils, and inclusive consultation before any decision on privatisation is made.
Analysts warn that unless the government prioritises rehabilitation of treatment plants and pipelines, many of which date back to the colonial era, Zimbabwe’s water crisis could worsen, threatening public health, tourism, and economic growth.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today