By 
Residents of Chitungwiza are living in unbearable conditions as raw sewage continues to flood streets and homes, turning their neighborhoods into health hazards. Despite a sewer rehabilitation project, the crisis persists, with aging pipes frequently bursting and overflowing waste onto roads and residential areas.
The Chitungwiza municipality launched a sewer rehabilitation project aimed at fixing the town’s deteriorating drainage system. However, residents argue that the project has failed, as sewages overflows remain a daily reality. Many believe the root cause is the town’s outdated and corroded pipes that has not been properly addressed.
The most affected areas include Zengeza 1, 3, 4 and new 5, where blocked sewer lines have led to overflows, leaving residents exposed to potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Community members say the problem has persisted for over eight months, with sewage running through their yards and roads, making daily life unbearable.
By Ruvarashe Gora
“The Municipality said they were fixing the sewer systems, but we are still stepping over pools of sewage every day. Nothing has changed,” said Takura Machongo, a resident of Zengeza 3. “The pipes are too old and keep bursting, so the problem never really goes away”.
Alice Tapfumanei said, “we are afraid our children will get sick because the sewages are everywhere, but the authorities don’t seem to care”.
Environmental health experts warn that prolonged exposure to sewage poses serious health risks, especially in areas where clean water supply is inconsistent.
Attempts to get a comment from Chitungwiza Municipality officials have been unsuccessful. Despite repeated complaints from residents, municipal representatives have remained silent on the issue, offering no clear explanation or timeline for resolving the crisis.
Residents are calling on the government NGOs, and health organizations to intervene because the situation is now out of control. They argue that without a complete repair of Chitungwiza’s sewer systems, the town will continue to suffer from these recurring sewage crises.
For now, Chitungwiza’s streets remain flooded with waste, with no clear solution in sight.and residents are wondering when the government will take action.
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