Several suburbs in Harare, Zimbabwe have had erratic water supply for some time. Some areas have been without water for up to a week.

The worst affected areas include Warren Park, Chadcombe, Hatfield, Mabvuku and Budiriro. Residents in Mabvuku told The Standard that running water has become very scarce and most of them have been forced to resort to other sources of water such as boreholes. This leaves them exposed to water-borne diseases.

Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni said problems could persist because water projects are still to be completed. “We are not in a position to promise the public any immediate solution. Water projects are underway and we have medium to long-term solutions to the crisis.”

Manyenyeni said he has met with World Bank officials to get technical assistance to help alleviate the water problem in the city. However Harare Residents Trust (HRT) committees’ officer Pretty Chabuda said water shortages are likely to last for a long time and urged residents to harvest rainwater.