By A Correspondent

The water crisis at Nemamwa Growth Point, the largest township in Masvingo rural with approximately 6,000 households, is quickly escalating into a public health concern.

The area has gone without tap water for over a month, leaving residents to rely on borehole and rainwater.

The lack of access to clean water has significantly raised the risk of a cholera outbreak, a serious and deadly disease transmitted through contaminated water sources.

The situation is compounded by the fact that Nemamwa Growth Point, which is only about 3 kilometers from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is seeing its tourism and hospitality sectors suffer.

The water crisis is not only affecting daily life but is also impacting the local economy, as visitors to the area are now less likely to enjoy their stay without access to reliable water supplies.

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) is at the heart of the crisis. According to a ZINWA official, the situation worsened when a transformer that supplies electricity to the water plant was vandalized, further hampering the provision of water to the township.

“Although there has been vandalism of the ZESA transformer, there is lack of motivation as well,” the official explained, highlighting the ongoing challenges that the authority is facing in restoring services to the community.

Residents of Nemamwa are growing increasingly frustrated, as the absence of clean water makes everyday life more difficult. Many fear the impending threat of cholera, which has claimed countless lives in Zimbabwe in the past.

The situation calls for immediate action from both local and national authorities to address the water crisis and prevent a potential health disaster. Given the proximity to Great Zimbabwe, ensuring a sustainable water supply is not only vital for the well-being of residents but also for preserving the tourism potential of the area.