By A Correspondent

The water crisis in Beitbridge continues to deepen as major supply dams see their levels drop due to the ongoing El Niño-induced drought. The situation has left the town grappling with severe water shortages, with some suburbs now going up to 48 hours without adequate water supply.

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) is responsible for supplying raw water to the Beitbridge Municipality, which then treats and delivers it to residents. However, the cash-strapped council is struggling to service its mounting debt, which has now exceeded ZWG3 million. As a result, Zinwa has taken action to limit the council’s access to water, further exacerbating the crisis.

Compounding the problem, residents, businesses, and government departments owe the council a staggering ZWG40 million in unpaid bills. This has made it even more difficult for the council to keep up with its water supply obligations.

Beitbridge residents have been forced to rely on water vendors, who sell a 20-litre bucket of borehole water for between R3 and R5. This is a far cry from the clean and reliable water they once received through the municipal system.

During a recent budget presentation, Beitbridge Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Manatsa, spoke candidly about the council’s dire situation. “We need US$20,000 or its equivalent every week to restore normal supplies of water while paying part of the debt at every recharge,”