STAFF WRITER
SUFFERING Binga residents without tap water have resorted to purchasing the precious liquid, after Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) cut supply over debts.
“Now people have resorted to buying water from those who have water,” said Samson Sibanda, chairman of Binga District Residents Association (BDRA).
“In this time of Covid-19 people need to be washing their hands several times per day. Without water we are afraid people might be infected with the corona virus and many other diseases,” he added.
Zinwa cut water supply to Binga last month over a ZWL$1 million debt accrued since 2014.
Residents accused the Binga Rural District Council of failing to foward the money they paid to Zinwa.
Sibanda intimated that a meeting took place between BDRA, Zinwa and the council and they agreed to raise money so that water supply could resume.
“We agreed at the meeting as a way forward that ZWL$ 300000 must be paid in order for Zinwa to reconnect water,” said Sibanda.
“On November 10 l was told that about ZWL$ 116000 was paid to the council.
“I then on the 11th followed up with council and social services and the treasurer confirmed receiving the amount and paid to Zinwa.”
Sibanda noted that the council is trying to set up another meeting with Zinwa so that water supply could resume.
“The aim for the council is that they want to ask Zinwa to give water to the community while they finalise issues of credit and council handing over water management to Zinwa in the process,” said Sibanda.
