Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
The positive impact of the devolution programme is being felt across the country, with the construction of Chinyanjera Water Storage and Treatment Facilities improving water supply in Penhalonga area of Manicaland.
Residents of Managers Hill low-density suburb in Penhalonga have been facing acute water challenges since the year 2000 after the Mutasa Rural District Council failed to complete the expansion of the local water treatment plant due to funding challenges.
It is however the dawn of a new era after the water treatment and storage facilities were completed after funds were availed through the devolution programme.
“We normally have our water only in the morning with others being forced to queue at 4am to fetch water. The construction of the tanks to supply us with water was long overdue,” said a resident.
“The issue of water supply has been a challenge and we are happy with the successful upgrading of the water supply system,” noted another resident.
Trial runs are already being conducted after the upgrading of the water supply system.
“We have now completed the construction of the 350 m3 tank up from the 11 m3 tank. This project was abandoned midway in the early 2000s due to funding challenges. The project has been completed using devolution funds,” said Mutasa RDC engineer, Tendai Danana.
“The new storage capacity can last for two days supplying water without pumping in additional water. Previously our storage capacity lasted a few hours. We have upgraded the filter media and our water that was poor now meets the world health organisation standards,” he added.
Mutasa South legislator Advocate Misheck Mugadza says the success story confirms the impact of the devolution programme in transforming lives.
“We are excited that the Managers Hill suburb water works have been upgraded using devolution funds. We now want to move on to Mabwemasimike area in Tsvingwe where residents are not accessing water due to the mountainous terrain. We want the council to construct the necessary infrastructure to ensure access to water improves,” noted Mutasa South legislator Advocate Misheck Mugadza.
Penhalonga has been facing acute water challenges due to a stand-off between Mutasa district council and Mutare City Council which was only resolved after the government intervened.
