Shackleton goes 22 years without water

By Mavis Muchuva 

The small former mining town of Shackleton, which is now under the jurisdiction of Chinhoyi Municipality, has had inadequate water supply since 1998.

Ward 15 councillor, Innocent Mangwanya told H-METRO that indeed residents are relying on one water kiosk, which is not enough to supply the water needs of the population.

Some of the residents said it has been 22 years without having adequate water supply since the mine ceased operations.

Jennifer Musekiwa said they were struggling to eke out a living, but the situation was being compounded by the inadequate water supply in Shackleton.

"We only have one water kiosk here in Shackleton, which is making it difficult for everyone to access water.

"There are more than 13 boreholes, but they are all broken down.

We appeal to our local authority to consider our plight by increasing water access points so that people won't spend the whole day waiting for a turn to fetch water," said Musekiwa.

Loyd Kamusarira of U19 echoed the same sentiments, and urged Chinhoyi Municipality to prioritize their right to safe and clean water to prevent a possible disease outbreak.

"Council must build more water kiosks in Shackleton. Alternatively we can have solar powered boreholes for council to end our perennial water woes," he said

Added ward Councillor Mangwanya, "We have one water kiosk which supplies the entire compound. It is not enough and I had to divise a mechanism where the residents take turns to fetch the water."

He said council is looking into the issue and promised to buy another pump, so that the area has two or three water kiosks.

(ENDS)

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