Some corrupt individuals are taking advantage of the current water shortages being experienced in most urban councils and have taken control of boreholes where they charge a fee for residents to draw water.
A fact sheet released by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) at the weekend said the situation was rampant in Chitungwiza and Epworth where cash-strapped residents are being fleeced to get access to water before calling on the police to bring to book the perpetrators.
"Boreholes have been monopolised by some unscrupulous individuals who are extorting residents in order for them to get water," ZPP said.
Most boreholes in urban areas where sunk by non-governmental organisations.
"In Chitungwiza in Zengeza 4, ZPP recorded a truck selling a bucket of water at $1.50. Desperate residents are left with no option but to purchase the water.
"In Epworth Constituency, Ward 2, three youths are manning a borehole and forcing residents to purchase two buckets of water at $1.50 ," the peace watcher said adding the extortion was happening in most urban areas.
In Harare, lack of key water treatment chemicals have forced the City Council to halt production at the Morton Jaffray water treatment plant, leaving nearly two million without access to running water.
"The water and sanitation crisis places millions of residents at risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Residents have often resorted to drinking water from shallow, unprotected wells that are contaminated.
"The crisis has brought about issues of extortion, exploitation and school absenteeism. ZPP is also concerned about the conflicts that erupt at the watering holes as citizens jostle to get their buckets ahead of the many hoping to get the precious liquid ahead of everyone else," the ZPP said.
It called on the government and local authorities to ensure the right to water is protected and upheld.
"Law enforcement agents should bring to book those responsible for the extortion of citizens, particularly the exploitation of women and children especially young girls. The peace and security of women and young girls who spend countless hours waiting in long queues to draw water is unfortunately not guaranteed," it said.
ZPP also urged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to investigate the acute shortages of water faced by citizens in most urban centres.
According to Section 77 of the country's Constitution: "Every person has a right to safe, clean and potable water and the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right."
Read the original article on New Zimbabwe.
About Nakiso Borehole Drilling
At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we are your comprehensive partner for unlocking reliable water on your property. Our highly skilled team tackles all drilling projects, from standard boreholes to specialized Blast Hole and RC Drilling.
We handle everything in-house for a seamless experience, encompassing expert borehole siting, efficient drilling, and pump installation – solar, electric, or manual – tailored to your specific needs. With Nakiso, your reliable water source is just a drill away.
We don't just strive to be the best; we maintain the industry's strictest quality standards and are committed to sustainable practices for the future of Zimbabwe's water security.
Fact 1: Know Your Borehole Casings
The Preferred Borehole Casing In Zimbabwe Is Class 9 and 10 (Pressure Classes.)
This is because Class 9 and Class 10 Casings are more collapse resistant. The strength of a Casing is often described as collapse resistance.
Fact 2: Borehole Drilling Depth
The exact depth, of where the water is located, cannot be established by the drilling contractor nor the Water Surveyor (Borehole Siter).
Fact 3: There Is No 100% Guarantee
It is important to note that it is never a 100% guarantee that any hole will yield water, the amount and water quality can also not be guaranteed by the drilling contractor and water surveyor.
Fact 4: Siting Is Important
Making use of a hydrologist or traditional water diviner will increase your chances of having a successful borehole that will yield a sufficient amount of water.
Fact 5: Know The Risks
The risk of the borehole drilling lies with the property owner. The client will still be liable for the drilling costs irrespective of a borehole yielding water or not.
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Email: info@nakisoboreholes.co.zw
Website: www.nakisoboreholes.co.zw
