By Prosper Kasere
Chitungwiza Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering lasting solutions to sewer challenges affecting some parts of the town through major rehabilitation works, including the laying of new main sewer pipelines and replacement of collapsed infrastructure.
This came out during an engagement meeting held on Monday between the municipality and the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), where council officials outlined ongoing and completed sewer rehabilitation projects aimed at improving service delivery.
Council officials stressed that while rehabilitation works are progressing, the long-term resolution of sewer challenges heavily depends on improved water supply and the establishment of a dedicated water source for Chitungwiza.
Presenting during the meeting, Engineer Talent Mashinga said Chitungwiza currently requires 112 megalitres of water per day but is receiving only 12 megalitres, a situation that continues to negatively affect the sewer reticulation system.
“Chitungwiza requires over 50 megalitres daily for the sewer system to function effectively.”
The rehabilitation works and improved water supply requires an estimated US$426 million.
He said council has prioritised rehabilitation of major sewer trunk lines to reduce frequent sewer bursts and improve the flow of waste water.
*Among the major projects underway and completed are:•*
* _Rehabilitation of the Rufaro sewer line where a contractor is laying 3.5 kilometres of new sewer pipes ranging between 300mm and 600mm diameter._
* _Unit M sewer rehabilitation where 694 metres have already been laid using council equipment._
* _The Zengeza Outfall rehabilitation project which is now 68 percent complete._
* _Laying of 800mm diameter pipes along the Seke Outfall, currently 80 percent complete.
* _Replacement of 800 metres of collapsed and silted pipes in Unit C, now complete._
* _Rerouting of 340 metres of sewer line in Rufaro, completed._
* _Replacement of old pipes along the Unit F Mboto Road line covering 420 metres, completed.*
* _Sewer de-silting works along the St Mary’s Chiweshe Line and Seke Main Outfall._
* _Installation of a 60-metre sewer connection for new houses in Unit K, completed._
Engineer Mashinga said rehabilitation efforts in some areas have been slowed down by houses built on top of sewer lines, forcing council to redesign some 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.
Works Director Engineer David Duma said adequate water supply remains the key to permanently resolving sewer problems in Chitungwiza.
“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,” said Engineer Duma.
Chitungwiza Mayor, Councillor Rosaria Mangoma welcomed the engagement with residents and stakeholders, saying dialogue remains important in finding sustainable solutions.
“I am happy that residents and stakeholders have come forward for engagement. When we combine our ideas and efforts, we are able to come up with strong and lasting solutions to issues affecting our community,” said Mayor Mangoma.
ZNOART National Chairperson Shalvar Chikomba commended the engagement platform and pledged continued collaboration with council.
“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,” he said.