Source: Sewage forces families to bathe in the open – herald
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
OVER 50 families in Glen View 3, Harare, have endured six weeks of raw sewage flowing into their homes, forcing residents to bathe at night in the open and some to use makeshift basins inside their houses, amid growing frustration with council inaction.
A recent visit to the area by The Herald yesterday revealed the overwhelming stench of human waste engulfing Glen View 3, particularly 53 Crescent, where burst pipes and blocked drains have turned homes into mini-sewers, leaving residents with no choice but to seek ablution facilities in neighbouring streets.
In addition, bathroom drains have been sealed with mutton cloths and pressed with bricks to prevent sewage leaks.
Residents reported that the crisis has persisted for over a month despite repeated appeals to the Harare City Council.
An elderly woman, Mrs Leocadia Mudzingwa, who lives on 53 Crescent, expressed her frustration: “At first, we sent people to see the district officer in Glen View.
“The district officer called us, suggesting we were planning a demonstration, which they quickly dismissed, saying they had come to address a health issue.
“They came, opened a tank they claimed was the problem, and left it open, worsening the situation. They later returned to close the tank, and since that day, they have never come back.”
Mrs Mudzingwa added that they have now resorted to bathing inside big washing dishes.
“Our children are getting sick, we cannot cook properly, and we are living like squatters in our own homes,” she said.
Many residents now share toilets outside their immediate area, pooling resources to buy detergents and pay cleaners.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that with sewage flowing across yards and into living spaces, some households have resorted to using large dishes to bathe indoors, while others wait until dark to wash in the street to maintain a semblance of dignity.
Mrs Sabina Chipote voiced her concerns about the heightened risk of outbreaks, recalling Harare’s devastating cholera epidemic of 2008.
“This is a ticking time bomb. Waterborne diseases thrive in such conditions, and urgent intervention is required to safeguard public health.
“We have children who use this road every day, and it is only a matter of time until an outbreak occurs as the council continues to make excuses for this pandemic,” she said.
Despite paying sewer and water connection fees to the council, residents reported being asked for additional fees to address the issue.
When they inquired, the council claimed it did not have a vehicle or equipment, and to cover those costs, they raised about US$50 which they handed over to an unidentified council, but nothing was done.
The Herald contacted Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Stanely Gama for a comment yesterday and he asked the reporter if residents have reported the issue to council.
“We take such issues seriously, and if it was reported, it will be attended to promptly. Sewer bursts are addressed within 24 hours,” he said.
However, residents said they reported the case 768 hours ago, but no action has been taken.
Ward 32 Councillor, Gaudencia Marera, was contacted for a comment around 11am and stated she would be available at 3pm.
When contacted at 3pm, her phone was no longer reachable.
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