Gwanda residents and civic organizations say they have sought clearance from the police to demonstrate against the local authority next week for continued water shortages in the city, amidst reports of pending plans to introduce pre-paid water meters by the council to generate revenue.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Gwanda Residents Association says people are relieving themselves in the nearby bushy areas, which is likely to cause diseases.
“Several areas in Gwanda have never had a drop of water for years. Our bushy areas are a sore sight with human excretion and sanitary ware as every little part of them has been turned into a convenience place.
“A cholera outbreak is just but knocking at our door steps and this leaves us with a question which water is really being talked about going on prepaid?” reads part of the statement.
Sichasisele Ndlovu, programs officer for the Gwanda-based civic group Women’s Development Association in Zimbabwe, said most areas in the city have gone for five days without water while others have not had the precious liquid for the past several years.
