VILLAGERS in Bubi, Matabeleland North have petitioned Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement minister, Anxious Masuka and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) over exorbitant water charges and challenges in accessing the precious liquid in the district..
In a letter dated August 28 directed to Zinwa and Masuka, the Bubi Forum Development Executive (BFD) raised suspicion over Zinwa’s billing system saying they were being charged for water they did not use.
The BFD represents 46 wards in the district
"We, as a community, are faced with numerous challenges, and access to clean water remains a significant concern,” the petition reads in part.
“The current water supply project, handled by Zinwa, has not met our expectations.
“We implore your intervention in this matter."
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The BFD also said delays in meter readings have resulted in estimated bills, causing financial strain ‘to our community.’
"We believe your leadership and influence will enable our voices to be heard, and we eagerly await your response."
The group is chaired by Runia Dube, deputised by Majaha Ngwenyama.
Dube last Wednesday said they suspected Zinwa was sending them estimated bills.
"The water is too expensive here,” Dube said.
“We end up paying US$30 to US$40 per month.
“How much would you be earning as an individual when you are alone at home and you pay such an amount of money for water?"
Zinwa spokesperson, Marjorie Munyonga, said, while the authority was yet to formally receive the petition from the association, they had been in touch with the association.
“The committee has since been advised on the appropriate steps to take for the resolution of their concerns, including approaching their local station for assistance,” she said when contacted for comment.
“The committee has also been advised to formally apply for water connections which will pave the way for them to access water from the Zinwa reticulation system.”
She said Zinwa also planned to hold a stakeholder engagement meeting on ‘finding ways of collaborating and working together’.
“In the meantime, Zinwa is upgrading the water reticulation system in the area to improve water supplies to Inyathi township, Emahlathini and surrounding communities."
Munyonga said the authority was supplying raw water to Hauke and Ilamba irrigation schemes, both holders of valid water abstraction agreements.
Masuka was not reachable for comment.