Story by Tichaona Kurewa
Water woes facing some parts of the City of Victoria Falls are set to end, thanks to devolution funds that have enabled the city to channel its resources to other critical projects such as phase one of its Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project.
The first phase of the project which is now over halfway through, entails upgrading of clear water pump stations in Aerodrome as well as construction and equipping of clear water reservoirs.
“The portion of the project which we have started that is of installing water reservoirs and water reticulation is 65 per cent complete. Some big works have been done although we are still to install the tanks themselves which is the bigger component,” said Victoria Falls City Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lungile Nyoni.
The city also indicated that it will seek partnerships to complete the entire WASH programme which requires about US$16 million.
“The entire project is expected to cost between US$14 and US$15 million. So far we are going to deduct US$4.5 million we are going to spend on the first phase. We do not have funds to do the entire project, but with the new thinking in government our minister is amenable to a situation whereby we can’t contract out some work, we can come into partnership with some development partners, people who are interested with what we are doing here in Victoria Falls. We can even privatise some parts of the project,” explained Victoria Falls City Council Town Clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube.
The Victoria Falls WASH programme aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision for smart cities and will unlock further investment in the resort town.
“Victoria Falls is expanding in terms of housing units, so the availability of water will enable us to keep our city clean always when you realise that our President is serious in terms of the cleanliness of the towns. It will help us to keep our town clean and do away with sewer bursts. Everyone wants to invest where there is water, where there is cleanliness. So investors can come to our town in numbers because the town will be clean and water will be available to our investors and all who will be in Victoria Falls,” noted Nyoni.
As a global tourist destination, a reliable water supply is crucial for Victoria Falls’ continued success, with the WASH programme being a major step forward in ensuring the city continues to offer world-class experiences to visitors.
