Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Hwange, Zimbabwe – Nearly a decade after purchasing residential stands in Hwange Local Board’s Phase 4 housing scheme, many homeowners are still without piped water, despite having paid for full servicing at the time of acquisition.
The issue dates back to 2015– 2016, when residential stands were sold in various stages under the Hwange Local Board (HLB). Earlier phases reportedly received full infrastructure development, including road access and water pipe installation.
However, in some areas of Phase 4, water infrastructure was never completed, leaving residents without clear answers.
According to residents, this shortfall stems from a breakdown in coordination between HLB and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
HLB initially handled the installation of water infrastructure but later handed over responsibility to ZINWA, an entity that has since refused to proceed with the remaining installations.
ZINWA has argued that it received no direct payment from the affected residents, while homeowners maintain they already paid full servicing fees to HLB when they bought their stands.
The standoff led to a water shutdown that lasted nearly a year, with no formal explanation or public communication from either authority. Although supply has now been restored to the general area, many residents are still without direct household connections and face new financial demands.
Residents seeking water connections are now being asked to:
Purchase their own galvanized pipes, dig trenches from their houses to the main line, pay a $30 connection fee at ZINWA offices, and, in some cases, an additional $20 fee for trench digging by ZINWA workers.
“When we bought these stands, we were told all services, including water were covered, now they want us to pay again, and even dig across roads. It feels like we’re being made to pay twice,” one resident said.
During a recent visit to ZINWA’s engineering offices, an official confirmed that the agency is responsible for laying the main backline pipes, which are essential for completing household connections.
However, the official also admitted ZINWA lacks the resources to carry out the work and could not commit to a timeline.
Adding to the confusion is the lack of transparency over what happened to the original servicing funds paid to HLB. Residents are increasingly concerned that the money might have been redirected to address other national water challenges.
“We are hearing that government is prioritizing Harare’s water crisis. But does that mean our money for Hwange was used elsewhere? If that’s true, we at least deserve to be told,” a resident said.
“We are not trying to start a war with anyone, we are simply asking for what we were promised: basic services and accountability”, she added.
With frustration mounting, the community remains divided on how to proceed. Some suggest giving ZINWA time to respond officially, while others believe it’s time to involve higher authorities or independent oversight bodies to investigate the matter.
During a recent conversation at the ZINWA engineering offices, one frustrated resident expressed concerns over the confusion and lack of transparency around water pipe installations in Phase 4.
The resident claimed that when individuals approach ZINWA for clarity, they are often referred back to the committee, without being properly informed of ZINWA’s responsibilities.
“You tell people to call the committee instead of clearly stating that ZINWA is responsible for installing the pipes. People end up paying out of pocket, and there’s confusion because no one is officially informed,” the resident said.
They further highlighted that some residents have had to buy and lay their own pipes, only for new arrivals to benefit from that infrastructure without contributing financially.
“This creates tension. There needs to be official documentation stating that laying pipes individually is done at one’s own risk. ZINWA must come and educate residents,” she added.
In response, a ZINWA representative Mr. Gijima, acknowledged the problem, but pointed to a lack of community coordination as a contributing factor.
“The problem is that people are not united,” the official said.
For now, Hwange Phase 4 residents continue to wait for water that should have already been flowing, and for answers that are long overdue.
I reached out to ZINWA official Mr. Admire Mlagami regarding the issue. He mentioned that response goes through proper channels and would be provided by the end of the day, as it is referred to the Head Office and their Spokesperson. However, it has been a week, and I am still waiting for the response.
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