The Government has released part of the US$2.2 million required to address persistent sewer challenges in Chitungwiza, marking a significant step towards critical infrastructure upgrades that aim to restore dignity and improve sanitation in the town. The funding will support the rehabilitation of the Zengeza Outfall Sewer Line, a project long overdue for residents who have endured recurrent blockages and sewer overflows. Designed decades ago for a far smaller population, the old infrastructure has been unable to cope with the rapid urban expansion, leaving communities vulnerable to health risks and environmental hazards. Residents in Zengeza have described the project as a game-changer, noting that the ageing pipes had long outlived their life span and were a source of constant disruption and public health concern.
Authorities emphasize that the initiative aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to upgrading urban infrastructure under the National Development Strategy 1 and the devolution programme, which seeks to decentralize development and bring essential services closer to communities. The Chitungwiza Municipality, working with relevant stakeholders and contractors, has already commenced phased works to replace the old concrete pipes, beginning with a 9.8-kilometre section. Project Works Manager, Engineer Joseph Zenda, highlighted that the replacement is being conducted in phases to ensure efficiency and minimal disruption, with the ultimate goal of achieving effective sewer reticulation and improved public health outcomes.
The project is set to benefit approximately 40 000 households in Zengeza and St Mary’s high-density suburbs, providing a long-term solution to a problem that has persisted for decades. Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, noted that the government will continue to release funds to ensure the project’s success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with various partners to deliver tangible results for residents. The disbursement of devolution funds and the commencement of this critical project provide relief to communities who have long lived under the threat of sewer-related health hazards, representing a concrete step towards sustainable urban development and improved service delivery in Chitungwiza.
