BY PRAISEMORE SITHOLE
REHABILITATION of the water and sewer system at Burombo flats’ in Makokoba, Bulawayo is set to commence through funding from the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Residents in the area accused the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) of failing to attend to burst sewer pipes which are now discharging raw sewage into their houses, posing a serious health hazard.
Makokoba MP James Sithole (MDC Alliance) said the pipes will reduce the sewer problems in the area.
“The sewer and water pipes are so dilapidated that raw sewer is spewing out the moment people flash their toilets, thereby contaminating areas where children play. A terrible putrid stench is now being produced, and maggots, flies and mosquitos are breeding,” Sithole said.
He said there have been cases where waste finds its way into drinking water pipes.
“This is a big health risk and a time bomb. I believe that it has been by God’s grace that there has been no serious disease outbreak such as typhoid and cholera in the area,” Sithole said.
“These pipes will go a long way in solving these challenges that are being experienced by residents in the area. However this is just for the outside sewer systems as the sanitary systems inside houses need a lot of attention, which l implore upon the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to prioritize.”
Last year, Burombo residents protested by dumping plastic bags with sewage at BCC premises, accusing the municipality of their slow response in attending to burst sewer pipes.
BCC director of housing and community services Dictor Khumalo said he was on leave and cannot immediately comment on the issue.