Residents of Entumbane suburb say water shortages remain a daily struggle despite efforts to improve access through the solarisation of community boreholes, with some households reportedly going for days without running water.
The area’s Member of Parliament, Prince Dube, said access to water was the constituency’s top priority and called on residents to work together in addressing community challenges while supporting local schools.
“Our priority number one is water, water is life, but we have solarised one borehole in Entumbane and we want to continue,” Mr Dube said during a community event this week.
His remarks came as Mthombowesizwe Primary School received 125 chairs and 125 tables for its Early Childhood Development unit, funded through the Constituency Development Fund. The furniture, valued at ZiG 440 000, was handed over at a ceremony attended by community leaders and education officials.
Mr Dube said plans were underway to upgrade more water points, particularly those still using manual bush pumps.
“So where there are bush pumps, we want to solarise them so that water is accessible… when we talk about the challenges we face in the community, we are building,” he said.
He acknowledged wider service delivery concerns in the suburb, including poor roads and sewer blockages, but said these issues were being raised with relevant authorities.
“We go there in Parliament to represent you… our roads are bad, there are sewers all over and blockages all over, but we are trying to make sure that all those services to help the people are met,” he said.
Residents, however, say water availability remains inconsistent. Sibusiso Ndlovu, who lives in Entumbane, said families often queue for hours at boreholes.
“Sometimes you can stay for two or three days without a single drop coming from the taps, so we end up waking up very early to queue at the borehole and the lines are too long,” he said.
Another resident, Thandeka Moyo, said the shortages were affecting hygiene and school attendance.
“Our children are the ones we send to fetch water and they come back tired and late. Sometimes they even miss school, and when there is no water the toilets become a big problem,” she said.
Mandla Sibanda, also a resident, welcomed the solarisation initiative but said demand far exceeded supply.
“One borehole cannot serve the whole community… we are asking for more boreholes, more repairs and a proper water supply system because we cannot live like this forever,” he said.
Local authorities have not yet given timelines for further upgrades, but residents say sustainable and reliable water infrastructure remains an urgent need.
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