Zimbabwe Committee: Chitungwiza Water Infrastructure Recommendations

• Chitungwiza receives 12 megalitres of water daily, significantly less than its 112.5 megalitre requirement, severely impacting sanitation.
• The Zengeza Wastewater Treatment Works has been non-functional since 2007, contributing to treatment plants operating at 1-5% capacity.
• Parliament recommends a US$426.3 million Cholera Alleviation Programme, including funds for Muda Dam, prepaid meters, and a new treatment plant.
• The Zimbabwe Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife proposed granting Chitungwiza Water Authority Status by December 2026 to manage Prince Edward Dam independently.
• A Chitungwiza land incorporation proposal by December 31, 2027, involving areas like Nyatsime and Imbwa, is recommended to address informality and resettle wetland residents.

The comprehensive Chitungwiza water infrastructure parliamentary recommendations signal a critical juncture for the city, demanding significant legal and administrative actions.

Chitungwiza faces a severe water deficit, receiving a mere 12 megalitres daily against a critical demand of 112.5 megalitres. This acute shortage profoundly impairs the city's capacity for essential services like flushing sewer systems and treating wastewater, according to a recent parliamentary report. The Zimbabwe Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife highlighted that the city's existing water and sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in the 1970s and 1980s with an anticipated lifespan of three decades, is now critically overwhelmed by a burgeoning population estimated at 750,000 residents.

Further compounding the crisis, the Zengeza Wastewater Treatment Works has been non-functional since 2007, primarily due to a persistent lack of foreign currency and extensive vandalism. This operational failure means that other treatment plants within the city are forced to operate at a drastically reduced capacity, ranging from just 1% to 5% of their design capabilities. The city's reliance on Harare as a secondary consumer for its water supply exacerbates the problem, leading to chronic siltation and frequent blockages even in sewer lines that have recently undergone rehabilitation.

In response to the dire situation, the parliamentary committee has put forth a comprehensive set of Chitungwiza water infrastructure parliamentary recommendations aimed at revitalizing the city's water and sanitation systems. A key proposal is the implementation of a US$426.3 million Cholera Alleviation Programme. This ambitious program includes a US$50.6 million allocation specifically for the Muda Dam Chitungwiza water project, intended to establish an independent water source for the city. Additionally, the program earmarks US$45 million for the installation of 90,000 prepaid water meters and a substantial US$120 million for the construction of a new 90-megalitre water treatment plant.

Beyond immediate infrastructure upgrades, the committee also recommended that Chitungwiza be granted Zimbabwe Water Authority Status by December 2026. This crucial administrative change would empower the city to independently manage Prince Edward Dam, thereby gaining greater control over its water resources. These recommendations collectively seek to address the long-standing issues of ageing infrastructure, insufficient water supplies, and the resulting strain on the city's ability to deliver fundamental services to its residents.

The Chitungwiza municipal revenue crisis significantly impedes its ability to fund necessary infrastructure improvements and service delivery. Approximately 50% of Chitungwiza is classified as informal, contributing to widespread informality that complicates urban planning and revenue collection. The report identifies around 40,000 illegal structures built on protected wetlands, which are not integrated into the council's billing system. This situation, coupled with a revenue collection rate of only 57%, leaves the local authority heavily reliant on delayed devolution funds to finance its operations and critical infrastructure needs.

To resolve the multifaceted infrastructure crisis, Parliament has underscored the necessity of acquiring additional land. The committee specifically recommended a Chitungwiza land incorporation proposal, urging the government to facilitate the integration of surrounding farms and areas such as Nyatsime, Imbwa, Chikwanha, Tantallion, Edinburgh, and Manyere by December 31, 2027. This strategic move aims to enable the resettlement of families currently residing on wetlands, although the report acknowledges existing boundary disputes with Manyame Rural District Council that would need resolution.

The comprehensive Chitungwiza water infrastructure parliamentary recommendations signal a critical juncture for the city, demanding significant legal and administrative actions. The proposed land incorporation and the granting of Zimbabwe Water Authority Status Chitungwiza represent fundamental shifts in governance and resource management. These changes, if implemented, will establish new legal frameworks for land use, municipal jurisdiction, and water resource control, moving Chitungwiza towards greater self-sufficiency in managing its vital services.

The urgency of these recommendations is underscored by the city's ongoing struggle with dilapidated water and sewer infrastructure, chronic water shortages, and a constrained revenue base. The successful execution of these parliamentary directives, including the substantial investments outlined in the Cholera Alleviation Programme and the resolution of land disputes, is paramount for alleviating the pressure on Chitungwiza's capacity to provide basic services and improve the quality of life for its 750,000 residents.

Lawyers advising on land use, municipal governance, or infrastructure development in Zimbabwe should monitor the legislative and administrative actions taken to implement Parliament's recommendations, particularly regarding land incorporation for Chitungwiza and the proposed Water Authority Status, which will create new legal frameworks and potential project opportunities.

Source: Original reporting via New Zimbabwe.