Residents resort to wells as council fails

FAMILIES in Bindura’s high-density suburbs of Chipadze, Aerodrome and Chiwaridzo, who have gone
for nearly the whole month without accessing tap water, are depending on wells.
Areas such as ZESA in Chipadze, Mupandenyama in Chiwaridzo and Aerodrome high-density have
clocked weeks without council water, putting ratepayers at health problems risks.
The effects of lack of council water extends to sanitary and hygiene issues. Households in Chipadze,
Aerodrome and Chiwaridzo are surviving on wells for the precious liquid and the backlash to this is
that residents have threatened to stop paying council.
Ratepayers speaking on Residents of Bindura Association (RABI) WhatsApp group platform on
Tuesday said they saw no reason for paying council for water services.
“It’s better we pay those with wells from where we are getting the water,” fumed one resident.
Water problems persist in Bindura despite it being the middle of the rainy season.
But council sources say that ratepayers have to scrutinise themselves first before blaming the
council.
“People are not paying their bills. One wonders how then do they expect efficient services?
“The Town Clerk or mayor do not fund council business. They are also workers, who are looking
forward to be paid. We must all play, religiously our roles.”
According to Mayor Brian Kembo, ratepayers owe in excess of a million dollars in unpaid bills.
Aware of the never ending problems that the council is facing in providing regular potable water
suppliers to residents, Fredda Rebecca and Trojan Mines have been assisting with procurement of
water treatment chemicals, for the council to provide safe drinking water and donation of bins and
fuel as well as roads rehabilitation.
Mayor Brian Kembo acknowledged the assistance that the council has received from companies such
as Trojan and Freda Rebecca Mines.
We really appreciate these organisations for assisting the council in carrying its baggage. Freda
Rebecca and Trojan Mine have also been pivotal in the extension of the stadium, which is to be
ready before Independence Day celebrations as we will be hosting this year’s National Youth Day
celebrations.
Mayor Kembo also acknowledged Eureka Mine, which is assisting with borehole drilling at the same
stadium, as well as other business personalities who have pledged to assist Bindura Municipality.
The mayor also thanked the Government for funding schemes through ZINARA and under the
Devolution Fund.
Government iri kutitsigira zvakanyanyisa, he said.
He said that despite having many challenges, they were able to approach 2023 on a clean slate, after
clearing backlogs and paying bonuses to its employees.
We faced many challenges because most people were not paying their bills, but we were able to
accomplish some of our routine duties,” he explained.