Jane Mlambo| Mvurwi residents have engaged in a campaign code named #OperationVhuraMvura to force the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to reconnect residents to water supply following what they described as a spate of arbitrary disconnections in the town.

In a statement released today, Combined Mvurwi Residents Association (COMRA) said they are calling for a national moratorium against arbitrary water disconnections to contain the current cholera outbreak that has so far claimed 30 lives.

“Majority of shop owners and households had their water arbitrarily disconnected by ZINWA officials in Mvurwi.

“The move to reconnect water has enjoyed huge support from the local councillor who accompanied Combined Mvurwi Residents Association (COMRA) to ZINWA offices,” said COMRA official Mr Kambala.

According to COMRA, ZINWA officials in Mvurwi arbitrarily disconnected water at the market place opposite the beer hall, 6 months ago leaving residents with nowhere to get water since the nearby borehole has been condemned.

Community Water Alliance which advocates for citizen’s right to water, lambasted ZINWA for using illegal means to force payment.
The water movement insisted that ZINWA should confine itself to raw water issues and leave Local Authorities with the responsibility of potable water supply.

“Community Water Alliance is calling for a national moratorium against arbitrary water disconnections in response to cholera outbreaks,” said CWA.

Mvurwi residents have opted to engage the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights for legal advice and representation against arbitrary water disconnections in their town.