Ageing water infrastructure leaves Mpumalanga dry

Residents of Mpumalanga suburb in Hwange say chronic water shortages caused by ageing infrastructure and repeated burst pipes have left households without a reliable supply, forcing many to queue for hours at overcrowded boreholes. The suburb’s water is managed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), which residents blame for failing to upgrade infrastructure in line with rapid population growth. Ward 6 resident Cecil Mhlanga said the area had expanded significantly in recent years, placing pressure on an already strained system.

“Water is a challenge in Ward 6, Mpumalanga. The ward has grown and ZINWA is now failing to give everyone access to water,” he said. “I don’t know what should be done so that they can improve and give everyone access.” Mhlanga said the crisis was not new.

At one point, residents in Phase 4 reportedly went nearly a year without running water due to a billing dispute between ZINWA and the Hwange Local Board. “The Local Board would charge residents maybe US$1, while ZINWA would charge the Local Board US$2,” he said. “ZINWA was charging at a commercial level while people were using water at a domestic level.” Although that dispute was later resolved and residents began paying ZINWA directly after it took over the infrastructure, supply challenges have continued.

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Boreholes drilled under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) have become the main alternative source of water, but residents say they are now overwhelmed. “The MP drilled boreholes using CDF, but they are overused. People start queuing as early as 3am until midnight,” Mr Mhlanga said.

“There are only two taps, and they often break because of pressure.” He said tensions have risen within the community as shortages persist. “There are now fights, with people accusing each other of selling water or bringing too many containers. We have tried engaging ZINWA, but nothing tangible comes out of those meetings,” he said, adding that one meeting was held at a police station due to heightened tensions. Another resident, who identified herself as naMampo, said the situation had disrupted daily life, particularly in DRC and Phase 4.

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