Chitungwiza sewer crisis: Council says US$426m and own water source needed

Chitungwiza sewer crisis: Council says US$426m and own water source needed

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Chitungwiza Municipality says it needs an estimated US$426 million and a dedicated water source to permanently resolve the town’s sewer challenges, arguing that low water supply is undermining rehabilitation work currently under way across the dormitory town.

The position was presented during an engagement meeting held on 18 May 2026 with the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), where council officials outlined sewer projects completed and in progress, aimed at reducing bursts and improving wastewater flow.

Engineer Talent Mashinga told the meeting that Chitungwiza requires 112 megalitres of water per day but is receiving about 12 megalitres from Harare.

“Chitungwiza requires over 50 megalitres daily for the sewer system to function effectively,” Mashinga said, adding that the water shortfall continues to contribute to blockages and the collapse of parts of the reticulation network.

Works Director Engineer David Duma said water availability was central to any long-term solution.

“Without adequate water, we cannot completely resolve the sewer challenges. We continue to call for Chitungwiza to have its own water source because water is central to improved sewer management,” Duma said.

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Council said the US$426 million estimate covers sewer rehabilitation works as well as improved water supply, with trunk line rehabilitation prioritised to reduce frequent bursts.

Mashinga reported that in Rufaro, a contractor is laying 3.5 kilometres of new sewer pipes between 300mm and 600mm in diameter, and that a separate 340-metre rerouting in the same area has already been completed. In Unit M, council teams have laid 694 metres of pipeline using municipal equipment.

He said work on the Zengeza Outfall has reached 68% completion, while the laying of 800mm diameter pipes along the Seke Outfall is now 80% complete. Council has also completed the replacement of 800 metres of collapsed and silted pipes in Unit C.

In Unit F, 420 metres of old pipes along Mboto Road have been replaced, and a 60-metre sewer connection for new houses in Unit K has been completed. De-silting work is continuing along the St Mary’s Chiweshe Line and the Seke Main Outfall, which council says is intended to improve wastewater flow.

Mashinga said some projects have been slowed by houses built directly above sewer lines, requiring redesigns and alternative routes.

“We are mapping new routes in affected areas to ensure the projects continue. Residents will soon see our excavator back on site in Unit M after resolving some of these challenges,” he said.

Mayor Councillor Rosaria Mangoma said the meeting was important for finding workable solutions with residents and stakeholders. “When we combine our ideas and efforts, we can come up with strong and lasting solutions to issues affecting our community,” she said.

ZNOART national chairperson Shalvar Chikomba said the residents’ body would continue engaging council on service delivery concerns.

“We raised these issues so that we can work together on solutions. Residents expect improved service delivery, and engagements like these are very important in achieving that goal,” Chikomba said.

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