Residents of Pumula East in Bulawayo, have raised concerns about the possibility of an outbreak of Cholera due to perennial sewer challenges in their area.
The residents told CITE that burst sewer pipes have been overflowing into their yards and toilets, posing a serious health hazard. They also said that the burst pipes have caused contamination of the water supply.
One resident, Nicholas Muropa, said that he has had a burst sewer pipe in his yard for years, and that the council has not done anything to fix it.
“When water is reconnected after the shedding schedule, we face a lot of overflow,” Muropa said. “Maybe it is because of the difference in pressure. The other challenge is that there is a burst pipe of clean water nearby, so there will be a flow of both clean water and sewer simultaneously, this poses a great health hazard, especially for the children. We are also afraid that this may contaminate the water that we drink.”
Another resident, Ethel Mahatsha, said that she has been living in the area for eight years and that the situation has not gotten any better.
“I have been here for eight years, and it has always been like this,” Mahatsha said. “We worry a lot about our children, if you leave them unattended for a little while you find them already playing in the sewer water. We have tried to engage various stakeholders but there have not been any improvements.”
Ward 18 Councillor Felix Madzana said that he has engaged the mayor on the matter, and that they will engage the council to rectify the situation.
“I am of the view that this matter can be fixed,” Madzana said. “The council needs to put new pipes here. People are being exposed to serious health hazards. The city has had several cases of diarrhoea and cholera and if such issues are not addressed, we will be having more. Of course, the residents have suggested digging trenches, but I believe that changing pipes is a more permanent solution. The mayor will come and see this, and we will engage the council management accordingly to come up with a permanent solution.”
