Burst
sewer
pipes
have
become
a
frequent
problem
across
Zimbabwe,
particularly
in
Bulawayo,
where
residents
face
heightened
risks
of
waterborne
diseases.
Bulawayo,
already
struggling
with
a
severe
water
crisis,
is
grappling
with
a
backlog
of
sewer
repairs
due
to
its
ageing
infrastructure.
The
flow
of
untreated
sewage
now
threatens
the
boreholes
that
many
residents
have
come
to
rely
on
as
their
primary
water
source.
In
Njube,
one
of
Bulawayo’s
densely
populated
suburbs,
residents
are
voicing
serious
health
concerns
over
a
burst
sewer
pipe
leaking
towards
a
community
borehole,
warning
of
potential
contamination.
The
borehole
has
become
a
lifeline
for
many,
especially
as
the
city
endures
water
cuts
lasting
up
to
130
hours
at
a
time.
A
resident,
speaking
to
CITE
under
anonymity,
highlighted
the
urgency
of
the
situation:
“This
is
a
serious
health
threat.
The
sewer
water
flows
towards
the
borehole,
and
if
it
contaminates
the
water,
many
people
could
fall
ill.
With
the
prolonged
water
cuts,
we
rely
heavily
on
the
borehole.”
Charles
Khumalo,
a
former
residents’
chairperson,
shared
similar
concerns,
stressing
the
need
for
swift
action.
“The
sewer
overflow
is
particularly
bad
when
water
is
reconnected.
It’s
been
manageable
lately
because
of
the
water
cuts,
but
once
water
is
restored,
the
problem
will
return,”
Khumalo
said.
He
proposed
a
long-term
solution
by
constructing
a
cemented
trench
to
redirect
the
sewer
flow
away
from
the
borehole.
“Building
a
trench
would
help
direct
the
sewer
away
from
the
borehole.
The
pipe
bursts
frequently,
so
a
trench
would
be
a
more
permanent
solution
and
prevent
contamination,”
he
suggested.
Khumalo
also
called
on
the
local
council
to
clear
a
path
behind
Njube
High
School,
allowing
residents
to
avoid
the
area
affected
by
the
leaking
sewer.
“There’s
an
alternative
route,
but
it’s
overgrown
with
grass.
Clearing
it
would
provide
a
safer
path
for
residents
from
H-Square
and
F-Square
to
access
the
borehole
without
risking
exposure
to
the
sewage,”
he
added.