Residents in parts of Hwange say they have gone for weeks without running water, raising concerns over public health and safety as communities turn to unsafe sources.
The worst-affected areas include Makwika, Madumabisa and Cinderella, where residents report relying on nearby streams for water used for bathing and washing.
“There is no water in Makwika Village 3. It’s been close to two weeks,” said resident David Wasu. “We are now fetching water from streams. Water bowsers come occasionally for drinking water, but they are not enough as they also serve Madumabisa.”
Residents say the shortages were initially blamed on a pump breakdown at a borehole supplying the area.
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However, the situation has worsened, with some warning of growing risks linked to the use of open water sources.
“People have resorted to streams, and yesterday we saw a crocodile in one of them,” Mr Wasu said. “We rely on public toilets, so you can imagine the conditions without water. There are also underground fires in nearby bushes, and more people are going there, which is dangerous, especially for children.”
The Great Hwange Residents Trust said the prolonged shortages were exposing communities to multiple risks, including disease, wildlife attacks and fire hazards.
“We strongly condemn Hwange Colliery Company for failing to provide a lasting solution,” said the organisation’s coordinator, Fidelis Chima. “Residents are forced into the bush to fetch water or relieve themselves, risking attacks from wild animals and underground fires.”
He added that young girls were particularly vulnerable, facing risks of sexual abuse and missing school due to the crisis.
Efforts to obtain comment from local councillors were unsuccessful.
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