Philemon Jambaya
Residents of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, have issued a one-week ultimatum to the local authority to address the city's ongoing water crisis. The ultimatum comes as the country grapples with a devastating cholera outbreak.
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association, representing residents, delivered a letter to the City of Bulawayo protesting against poor service delivery, particularly water rationing measures. They argue that these measures violate their constitutional right to safe, clean, and potable water.
Related Stories
The letter, written by lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights representing BPRA, highlights the severity of the water crisis. Some suburbs have reportedly gone without water for over three weeks. This lack of water has impacted critical public institutions, such as medical facilities and schools, which lack alternative water sources and are forced to ask residents and students to bring water from home.
The BPRA proposes that the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development declare Bulawayo a water shortage area under the Water Act. Additionally, they urge President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare a state of disaster under the Civil Protection Act to address the crisis and prevent further loss of life, especially considering the ongoing cholera outbreak.
The residents demand a response within seven days outlining the steps and measures the City of Bulawayo and relevant stakeholders, including the government, are taking to address the current and long-term water crisis.
Leave Comments