Sewer Showdown: Who’s To Blame For Hatcliffe’s Stinking Crisis ?
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Hatcliffe, a suburb in Harare, is reeling from a sewage crisis as residents grapple with flowing and blocked sewer lines. The local authorities are pointing fingers at residents, accusing them of throwing cloths, sanitary products, and even stones into the main sewer holes, causing the blockages.
According to Councillor Elvis Ruzane (pictured), a local councilor, “The residents themselves are contributing to the problem. We’ve had instances where people have thrown cloths, diapers, and other items into the sewer, causing blockages. It’s frustrating because we’re trying to provide a service, but they are undermining our efforts.”
Ruzane added, “We’ve had to deal with a stone that was thrown into the main sewer hole, causing a major blockage. It’s not just a matter of flushing anything down the toilet. We need to work together to solve this problem.”
Residents, however, claim that the problem is more complex. “The sewer system is old and needs upgrading,” said one resident. “We’ve had problems with the pipes bursting, and the authorities are just blaming us. It’s not fair.”
The problem is not unique to Hatchliffe, with other suburbs like Glenview and Budiriro also experiencing similar issues. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has urged residents to be mindful of what they dispose of in the sewer system, emphasizing that it’s a collective responsibility to maintain the infrastructure.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are calling for a more comprehensive approach to address the issue, rather than simply blaming them for the problems.
