Harare Correspondent
The Chinhoyi Municipality has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it is distributing raw and unpurified water to its residents, labeling these allegations as malicious.
Mr. Tichaona Mlauzi, the Council’s Public Relations Manager, clarified that after purifying the water, the municipality conducts laboratory tests on samples, which have consistently yielded satisfactory results. He stated,
“Contrary to the misinformation, we do not distribute raw water through our network system. We also conduct intermittent water quality tests to determine its suitability for consumption. All laboratory tests indicate that the water quality is satisfactory.”
However, Mr. Mlauzi acknowledged that the turbidity of the water has increased from previous levels of less than one to between one and three. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or darkness of the water’s color, and while the current levels are still suitable for use, he emphasized that for quality and safe water, turbidity should ideally be between one and five. He added,
“We will always strive to distribute potable water that meets the prescribed ranges for both pH and turbidity.”
The uproar regarding water quality followed concerns about the color and odor of the water supplied to residents.
Mr. Mlauzi explained that the discoloration is attributed to decreasing water levels in the Hunyani River, which is the municipality’s primary water source. This river is also crucial for the livelihoods of many locals involved in vegetable gardening, construction, and fishing, as well as for farmers engaged in irrigation farming upstream.
To address the turbidity issue, the council is reportedly adding activated carbon to the water. In response to the controversy, one netizen from a local WhatsApp group challenged the council leadership to demonstrate the water’s safety by drinking it in front of cameras.
The Council has faced criticism from residents demanding uninterrupted water supplies, especially as some areas have reportedly gone for months without receiving water.
Zim GBC News©2024