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Zimbabwe Capital Needs Another US$46 Million To Ensure Safe Water Supply


The Harare City Council said it needs some US$46 million to repair the Morton Jaffray water treatment plant, rehabilitate waste water management equipment, and provide water to Ruwa, Chitungwiza and Norton separately.

The city has launched major repairs at the Morton Jaffrey plant, built half a century ago. But officials said nearly half the water pumped out of the plant is lost through pipe leaks. A city council source said officials have met with the finance minister to outline funding needs.

Most of the Zimbabwean capital has been experiencing water shortages for years. Areas such as Mabvuku, Tafara and Greendale have been particularly hard hit.

Clean water has become a major focus for the country, which has just gone through a major cholera epidemic that has claimed more than 4,000 lives since late 2008.

Water Minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo told reporter Jonga Kandemiiri of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the city has gotten funds from donors and its short-term objective is now to significantly improve water operations over the next six weeks.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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