Residents in Chitungwiza have raised concerns over worsening sewage bursts across the town, accusing the local authority of failing to repair the deteriorating sewer system that is now threatening public health.
The concerns were formally raised by Chitungwiza Residents Trust in a letter of demand addressed to Chitungwiza Municipality on 17 March 2026. The residents’ body says raw sewage is flowing through streets and into homes across the town’s 25 wards, creating what it described as a dangerous environmental and health crisis.
According to the residents’ trust, the situation has reached alarming levels as sewage effluent has reportedly contaminated domestic water sources in several areas. Many households rely on boreholes for drinking water, and residents fear that the contamination could expose communities to waterborne diseases.
“Our client has noted with grave concern the proliferation of sewage pipe bursts in all twenty-five wards in Chitungwiza,” the letter reads. “Raw sewage effluent has been observed flowing along streets into several homes, endangering the lives of residents.”
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The organisation argues that the continued failure by the municipality to repair and refurbish the sewer infrastructure violates citizens’ constitutional rights. The residents’ trust cited Section 73 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees every person the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.
The trust maintains that the municipality has been aware of the long-standing problem but has not taken adequate measures to address it. Residents say the recurring sewage spills have made some neighbourhoods unlivable, with foul smells, contaminated water and increased risk of disease becoming daily challenges.
“This situation exposes residents to serious health risks and reflects a failure by the responsible authorities to uphold their legal obligations,” the organisation stated.
Residents are now demanding urgent repairs to the sewerage system and a comprehensive refurbishment of aging infrastructure across the town. The residents’ trust warned that failure to act could lead to further legal action to compel the municipality to address the crisis.
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