Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Harare City Council has set aside US$2 million to rehabilitate 20 kilometres of water and sewer pipes.
Over the years, the city has struggled with burst pipes that have contaminated groundwater sources.
The rehabilitation project is targeting Mabvuku, Highfield, Marlborough, the Avenues, Mbare, Belvedere and suburbs along Harare Drive and Nemakonde Road.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail ,Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said: “In the 2025 Budget, a total of US$2 million has been allocated to replace 20km of pipes.
“The City of Harare recognises the critical importance of a reliable water supply system and the challenges of ageing infrastructure. To address this issue, we have initiated a comprehensive pipe replacement programme.”
Approximately, the City of Harare loses 40 percent of its purified water every day due to old pipes. Sewer bursts, particularly in high-density suburbs, have caused water-borne diseases such as cholera.
Cllr Mafume said the pipe rehabilitation programme is also aimed at enhancing water supply consistency.
“By replacing outdated pipes, we also aim to reduce water losses, improve
the overall efficiency of our water distribution system, and improve water quality.”
He noted that Harare was committed to a long-term strategy of replacing ageing water infrastructure.