By 
Chitungwiza residents are facing an escalating water crisis, as the town goes for weeks without a reliable supply. The prolonged shortages have left thousands struggling to access clean water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Some urban areas at least received water intermittently, whereas Chitungwiza has been experiencing severe outages, forcing residents to rely on unregulated wells, and expensive water deliveries from private suppliers. This water shortage problem has raised concerns over hygiene and potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Many residents, particularly in areas such as Zengeza and St Mary’s, say they have gone for weeks without a single drop from their taps. Those who can afford it have resorted to buying water in bulk, while others are fetching it from distant boreholes, often waiting in long queues for hours.
By Ruvarashe Gora
Mrs. Chambwanda, a Chitungwiza resident, expressed frustration over the dire situation. “We have been without water for weeks now. We are forced to wake up early in the morning to queue for water at the few available boreholes. Those who can afford buy from water suppliers, but not everyone can afford that”.
Residents face significant challenges due to water shortages. Mr. Tapiwa Makupa a local resident, highlighted the financial burden, stating, “For a $1 USD, one can buy only six buckets of water, and families typically need more than that a day. It’s unbearable.”
“In St Mary’s, the situation is even worse,” said Rumbidzai Jambo, a local resident. “Sometimes we go for three to four days without a single drop of water from our taps. We are forced to buy water from those with boreholes, and it’s not cheap. It’s a daily struggle just to get enough for cooking and drinking.”
Chitungwiza Municipality has remained largely silent on the crisis, with no clear plan to restore a stable supply. Efforts to get a response from local officials have been unsuccessful, leaving residents in the dark about when they can expect relief.
Health experts have warned that the lack of clean water poses a serious risk, especially in a densely populated town like Chitungwiza. The reliance on unregulated water sources increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which have previously affected the area during similar crises.
With no immediate solution in sight, residents continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, calling for urgent intervention from both local authorities and the government to ensure access to safe and clean water.
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